A prospective candidate for the BC Liberals in next year’s provincial election has stepped down after criticism over social media posts made years ago.
Earlier this month, Burnaby realtor and BC Liberal Party board member Randy Rinaldo was selected as his party’s candidate in Burnaby-Lougheed.
But weeks after a number of controversial tweets he made came to light – including ones derogatory towards the Roma people – Rinaldo has announced he will withdraw his candidacy.
“My past Twitter posts have made me reflect on whether the current timing is truly the best fit for this point in my life,” he wrote in a statement.
“While insensitive Twitter posts from several years ago no longer reflect who I am today, the fact remains that this issue has become a distraction to my candidacy and family responsibilities.”
Rinaldo originally said he would continue to be a candidate.
READ MORE: Liberal candidate for 2017 election will stay despite controversial tweets
The Liberals held Burnaby-Lougheed from 2009 to 2013, and lost the seat to the NDP by just 743 votes last election.
In a statement, the BC Liberal Party said “the party accepts his resignation and the search for a new candidate is underway.”