The NDP leadership race is down to one.
John Horgan MLA for Jaun de Fuca is the lone candidate after Mike Farnworth stepped aside Tuesday.
Farnworth, also threw his support behind Horgan saying his decision was made in the best interest of the party and “the best interest of the party is to get behind a leader that can win the next election.”
Horgan welcomed the support; at a press conference he said he’s already looking at the future. “New Democrats are ready to govern. We’re going to show you that every day from hear forward.”
The majority of the NDP caucus were on hand for the announcement, including Cowichan Valley MLA Bill Routley. Routley has been a vocal supporter of Horgan, and said there’s a sense of excitement within the party. “It’s my understanding there’s total unity…people are coming behind John Horgan, and for good reason.”
While this is a big step for the NDP in naming a new leader, there’s still a process that has to unfold.
The party has set a May 1st deadline for any other party members interested in leadership to come forward. If no one does, and Horgan remains as the only candidate, he would then be declared leader.
