The race to succeed B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell appears to be about to get more crowded with attorney-general Mike de Jong poised to make an “important announcement” on his plans on Wednesday.
Health Minister Kevin Falcon will enter the race in Surrey Tuesday, then head to Prince George in an apparent pitch to be a candidate with appeal to rural and urban BC.
Mr. Falcon will join George Abbott, who quit as education minister to enter the race, and former economic and skills-development minister Moira Stilwell, who also left cabinet for the competition that ends with a Feb. 26 vote.
Early Monday morning, a representative of Mr. de Jong issued a statement indicating the long-time Liberal MLA and government house leader will make a 10 a.m PT announcement Wednesday at Abbotsford airport.
In an interview, Mr de Jong's spokesman Joel McLaughlin declined comment on the specifics of the planned announcement but confirmed it is leadership related.
Radio talkshow host Christy Clark and solicitor-general Rich Coleman are also considering leadership bids.
Unlike the other candidates yet to officially enter the race, Mr. de Jong has been keeping a low profile and has had little to say about his deliberations.
