By Greg Fry

Stone makes Liberal leadership bid official

Oct 10, 2017 | 10:11 AM

KAMLOOPS — The worst-kept secret in B.C. politics is now official: Todd Stone is running for the leadership of the BC Liberal Party.

The Kamloops-South Thompson MLA launched his bid this morning at a campaign rally in Surrey.

Stone promised “a fresh vision” and a “new generation of leadership” that not only listens and acts but “learns from the past.”

“It’s time for a fresh perspective,” he said. “And someone who can act to make life better and who will inspire our future.”

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He said part of that vision will focus on expanding access to childcare.

“Not $10 a-day care, a fantasy, but a system that focuses on increased childcare spaces and more training.”

Stone also promised to focus on at-risk youth, seniors care, mental health and the opioid crisis.

He pledged to build a better relationship with municipalities, noting “we need to stop telling communities what’s good for you.”

Stone added if the party is to regain power, it will need to open up its doors to all facets of the population admitting “we need a diverse set of voters to win the next election.”

Stone was flanked by his family this morning and former Kamloops MLA Terry Lake and Peter Fassbender.  Current Liberal Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo was also present. Other voicing their support for his bid include Kamloops North-Thompson MLA Peter Milobar, Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes and North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite.

He is one of eight candidates seeking to succeed former leader Christy Clark and will campaign in Victoria later today before holding a campaign rally at Thompson Rivers University tonight starting at 6:00 p.m.

The party will elect its new leader February 3, 2018.