File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Provincial Politics

Kamloops MLA Stone opts out of B.C. Liberal leadership contest

Jan 14, 2021 | 2:17 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone sent a shockwave through his B.C. Liberal party Thursday (Jan. 14), bowing out of consideration for the party’s leadership.

Stone was a major contender in the 2017-18 leadership race to succeed Christy Clark, and was projected to be a front-runner in the contest to replace Andrew Wilkinson.

In a Facebook post, Stone says time spent with his family over the holidays convinced him of the importance of spending as much time at home as possible.

“While skiing with all three of my daughters over the recent holidays, I was struck by the reality that within the next few years, two of them may be off at university and that this period of our lives with all of us together at home is nearer the end than the beginning,” Stone wrote. “I realized at that moment – in my heart – that the right decision for me and my family is to not enter this leadership race.”

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Stone thanks those who encouraged him to run for the leadership, including “friends, caucus colleagues, party members, and British Columbians”.

The interim leader of the party is Shirley Bond. Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar is serving as the party’s house leader.

Read Stone’s full message: