Stewart steps aside so Clark can run in Westside-Kelowna

In an emotional announcement, MLA Ben Stewart announced today he is stepping aside so Premier Christy Clark can run in a by-election in his riding of Westside-Kelowna.

Stewart, with Clark standing beside him,  said that it was his choice to step aside. It is unusual for a premier to represent a riding so far away from where they live, but Clark was narrowly beaten in her riding by the NDP’s David Eby.

Clark commended Stewart for giving up his seat saying “she was humbled by his character” and his choice to do what’s good for the province.

It’s possible a by-election will be called within the next week with the vote coming down in mid-July, Clark said.

Stewart won in Westside-Kelowna with 58 per cent of the vote, so it is considered a safe Liberal riding. It is also the heart of the Free Enterprise Coalition.

Clark said she would be spending a lot of time in Kelowna this summer campaigning as well as buying a second residence in the area.

The BC Green Party will not run a candidate against Clark in the by-election.

“The BC Liberals won the May 14th election decisively and the riding of Westside-Kelowna by a wide margin,” says Jane Sterk, leader of the BC Green Party.

“The voters have indicated in both instances that they want a Liberal government. It is clear that the premier deserves to be in the legislature and we are following the tradition of respecting the wishes of the voters in this regard.”