Christy Clark to run for MLA seat in Kelowna byelection

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      Premier Christy Clark has announced plans to seek a seat in the legislature by running in a byelection in the riding of Westside-Kelowna.

      Ben Stewart, who was reelected as the Liberal MLA for Westside-Kelowna, has said he will step aside so Clark can run.

      Clark and Stewart jointly made the announcement today (June 5), according to a news release from the B.C. Liberal government caucus.

      Clark led the Liberals to victory in the May 14 provincial election but failed to retain her seat in the Vancouver-Point Grey riding.

      She lost to NDP candidate David Eby by more than 1,000 votes.

      Stewart recaptured Westside-Kelowna with 58.4 percent of the vote, nearly twice as much support as the NDP candidate earned.

      In final election results, the Liberals won 49 seats to the NDP’s 34. The Greens claimed one seat and Independent MLA Vicki Huntington was reelected.

      Comments

      11 Comments

      James G

      Jun 5, 2013 at 3:57pm

      First question posed will be, 'should the NDP offer to allow her to run unopposed? For me, judging by Canadian tradition, the answer is yes.

      Jesse

      Jun 5, 2013 at 8:35pm

      This tradition doesn't sit well with me. Why hold an election at all by this logic? If she runs unopposed, she did not *win* and will sit as an unelected MLA. If this is how it works fine, but a thrown fight has no legitimacy. If this is how it works, call it what it is and just install her into the legislature.

      Lizabeth J.

      Jun 5, 2013 at 8:41pm

      Tradition? Losers usually step down. That is the tradition isn't it? There is nothing to be proud of here, if its a win.

      SPY vs SPY

      Jun 5, 2013 at 8:54pm

      The NDP needs to find a great credible local candidate and run the Campaign that they should have run in the last Provincial Election.

      Now is the time to remind all the Voters in the Westside-Kelowna ridding why she should be defeated again.

      This is Adrain Dixs' opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to win.

      Folks politics is a Full-Contact Blood-Sport and the Political decisions affect everyone in the Province.

      Damn the Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead and Fight like there is no tomorrow.

      Or just quit, put tail between your legs and stay home!!!

      RUK

      Jun 5, 2013 at 10:15pm

      He's a drain, all right.

      How brilliant the NDP will look by opposing Clark. The real debacle is if they win and force Clark to do it somewhere else. That's only $250K gone for pique. Pique is in the budget right? The NDPique.

      politics101

      Jun 5, 2013 at 10:18pm

      Dave Barrett didn't step down when he lost his seat - Bob Williams stepped aside and a by-election was held.

      Tommy Douglas didn't step aside when he lost his seat - he ran and won a by-election.

      Don Getty, Clive Wells and Robert Bourassa all won elections but lost their seats and all ran and won in by-elections.

      ACMESalesRep

      Jun 5, 2013 at 11:04pm

      Retiring and defeated MLA's are entitled to up to 15 month's salary as a “transitional allowance” to ease their way back into private life. Does Stewart qualify? Because it would seem that in a case such as this it should be the party, rather than taxpayers, footing the bill.

      James G

      Jun 6, 2013 at 12:14am

      I knew that would not be a popular idea. I wrestled with it. I am stung too by the failure but two of the only three relevant precedents (A provincial government is elected but the Premier loses their own riding) has seen the failed party accept reality and not take out their frustration on the voters. It's adouble edged sword for sure after a no-fighr campaign to wimp out yet again, yet the government has a 15 seat majority and a lock on Kelowna. It is both the right thing to do and has the same outcome. Blame those responsible rather than drag it out to seek revenge.

      DavidH

      Jun 6, 2013 at 11:50am

      "If elected, I promise to faithfully serve the citizens of Point Grey. No, wait, I promise to serve the citizens of West Kelowna. No, wait, I meant Fort Nelson, where people have gas. No, hold on, I'm thinking Surrey ... or Burnaby ... or, wait now, how about Mission?"

      I don't think I will ever vote again. The entire process is pointless.

      (i.e. She LOST! Go away. Stop. What's next - telling the Canucks that they can continue the playoffs until they WIN?? Gawd ...).

      Alan Layton

      Jun 6, 2013 at 11:58am

      I think the NDP should fight for this seat. They should put all of their effort in to getting out the youth vote, which was a part of the reason for their loss overall. Clark lost to the NDP in a riding that should've been solidly conservative, so it means that she's not as popular as the goals of the party. The NDP should go down swinging and at least make it close.