By Canadian Press

B.C. Premier John Horgan wishes MLA well on potential run for mayor

Jun 13, 2018 | 4:47 PM

GRAND FORKS — B.C. Premier John Horgan says the New Democrat member whose potential departure from the legislature could loosen his government’s hold on power believes he’s the best man for the job of Nanaimo mayor.

Horgan says Nanaimo MLA Leonard Krog, who is expected to make an announcement tonight regarding his bid for the mayor’s seat, has thought “long and hard” about running for the job.

The premier says Krog has been overwhelmed by members from the community across the political spectrum urging him to bring stability to the council which has been beset with infighting.

“There’s been a long-standing challenge in the city and Leonard believes — and many, many, many people believe — that he is the best person to address that,” Horgan said during a news conference in Grand Forks, B.C.

“I wish him all the best and I know that he’ll be continuing his duties as MLA to continue to represent the citizens of Nanaimo until the election period begins in the fall.”

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The nomination period for B.C.’s general local elections is from Sept. 4 to Sept. 14 and the campaign starts on Sept. 22 until the general voting day on Oct. 20.

The departure of an NDP member of the legislature could have significant implications for the New Democrat-Green alliance’s hold on a razor-thin majority in the legislature.

If Krog jumps to municipal politics and the Liberals win his provincial seat in a byelection, then the New Democrats and Greens would have a combined 43 seats — the same as the Liberal Opposition.

Currently, the Liberals have 42 seats, the NDP have 41 and the Greens have three.

Speaker Darryl Plecas sits as an Independent, after being booted from the Liberal caucus last year.