Selina Robinson says she's grateful for the support she received from colleagues and constituents about the idea of potentially becoming B.C.'s next premier.
However, the Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA believes now is not the time.
Robinson will not be running for the BC NDP leadership, a decision she said she made Saturday night (July 16).
The former Coquitlam city councillor posted a social media thread this afternoon (July 18) indicating her reasons for choosing to not pursue the orange's party top seat.
"They say that timing is everything and thinking ahead to what the next 5-8 years would look like in the context of my life I decided that I would pass on this opportunity and focus on my roles as MLA and finance minister," she explains.
"I know that with a new leader our cabinet and our caucus will continue to make choices that put people first and provide opportunities so that all British Columbians can thrive."
A new BC NDP leader is set to be elected on Dec. 3, 2022.
John Horgan announced last month that he will not be seeking another term in the 2024 provincial election and will stay as premier until his official resignation in the fall.
For Robinson, she says her focus is to continue to serve her Tri-Cities riding, and all of B.C. as its finance minister as she steers a $73-billion operating budget.
"And then being presented with the opportunity to put my name forward for leader and Premier has also been top of mind for the past two weeks … something I considered seriously and I want to thank so many who offered to work on a leadership campaign, offered financial support, organizing support and moral support."
In an earlier interview with the Tri-City News, Robinson called the premier's job a challenging one and says who ever takes over has to devote their full attention to leading government.
Robinson believes there's also more to consider for women in politics, especially for any wanting to campaign for a leadership position.
"British Columbia needs a premier and a leader who will continue to do the important work of putting people first and also working together to make sure that people have the opportunities they need in communities throughout our province."
It remains unclear, as of this publication, if Mike Farnworth (Port Coquitlam), Rick Glumac (Port Moody-Coquitlam) or Fin Donnelly (Coquitlam-Burke Mountan) will choose to enter the leadership race.
In 2011, Farnworth went up against Adrian Dix, who was subsequently elected leader, and entered the race again in 2014, but ultimately bowed out.
Premier John Horgan was subsequently acclaimed for the high-ranking leadership post.
Brad West has also yet to announced his fall political plans, including if he'll seek a second term as Port Coquitlam mayor, but his name has popped up as a potential local candidate.
West told the Tri-City News he's "very humbled by all the supportive messages I’ve received from people in Port Coquitlam and all over the province."
- with files from Diane Strandberg, Tri-City News
.jpg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
