One of the highest profile names being floated as a potential replacement for former BC Liberal Leader Christy Clark says she’s close to making a decision.
Only days after Clark announced she announced her resignation as leader of the BC Liberals, former Surrey mayor Dianne Watts’ name quickly surfaced as someone who could replace her.
Watts led Surrey from 2005 to 2014, and has since moved to federal politics where she sits as a Conservative MP for South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale.
In the days after Clark stepped aside, Watts said that she was still weighing her options on a run.
Now, Watts has informed CKNW she plans to make a final decision “over the next week or so,” saying she is still reaching out to people.
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No candidates have officially declared themselves in the race as of yet, but some other names being discussed include former Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan, former Education Minister Mike Bernier, former Attorney General Andrew Wilkinson, former Transportation Minister Todd Stone, and new MLA Michael Lee.
Watts is viewed by many as a potentially star candidate for the BC Liberals, given her high profile south of the Fraser.
The Liberals lost three key seats in Surrey in the 2017 election, including two cabinet ministers.
It was part of an urban collapse that cost the party the election.
Watts also served a term as chair of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation, experience that could help her craft a new Liberal transit platform viewed as more sensitive to Metro Vancouverites’ concerns.
On Tuesday, the BC Liberals officially kicked off their leadership race, with a new leader to be selected on Feb. 4, 2018.
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