Andrew Wilkinson is the new leader of the B.C. Liberal Party, but it went down to the home stretch at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre on Feb. 3.
He collected enough votes to slip past former Conservative MP Dianne Watts on the fifth ballot with slightly more that 53 per cent.
Watts led the first four ballots, but when push came to shove, party members went with the longtime MLA rather than the newcomer, who came second with 46.9 per cent.
In his victory speech, Wilkinson, 60, urged members to remember the party’s priorities when they get back to the legislature on Feb. 13.
He added everybody has to work together in order to be ready for the first day in the legislature to take on the NDP.
Wilkinson ran on a platform of a strong economy, which called for ending the small business income tax on family businesses and fighting the electoral reform referendum this fall.
Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes was pleased with the results of the leadership race, but was also proud of all six colleagues who had campaigned for the party leadership for almost a year.
“It was a long campaign.
“It provided them the opportunity to put really bold ideas forward and to have good conversation, which is what you need for the renewal of a party.”
Oakes predicts Wilkinson is going to do a remarkable job.
“Having sat in cabinet with him, he is by far the smartest person I have ever met … he’s incredibly smart and pragmatic.
“He put forward a solid platform … I’m really excited to have a leader in place, to be heading back into the house. I think we’re in a really good position.”
Noting there is a byelection for the West Kelowna seat on Feb. 14, Oakes said she looks forward to having one more seat in the legislature if Ben Stewart wins the day.
Andrew wants to work with Andrew
B.C. Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver congratulated Andrew Wilkinson on becoming the elected leader of the B.C. Liberal Party on Feb. 3.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to Andrew on his election as leader of the B.C. Liberal Party.”
One of our caucus’ key priorities in choosing a confidence and supply agreement over a coalition government was to ensure we could work with both parties to advance our shared priorities in the legislature.
“I look forward to meeting with Andrew to discuss his priorities for the next legislative session and how we can collaborate on areas of common ground.”
Kahlon speaks for NDP
Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon congratulated B.C. Liberal Party leader on behalf of the BC NDP.
“We offer our congratulations to Andrew Wilkinson on winning the leadership of the BC Liberals and look forward to seeing him in his new position in the legislature.
“Right now, the stakes couldn’t be higher for British Columbians.
“People are counting on us to make life more affordable, protect the services they count on and keep investing in a sustainable economy.
“Our government has made great strides towards these goals, but major challenges – like the dumpster fire at ICBC – still remain.
“We look forward to working with you on legislation that works for all the people of this great province.”