By Corey Fischer

‘Lot of Wet Eyes In The Room’ — MLA On Clark’s Departure

Jul 28, 2017 | 2:16 PM

The MLA for Vernon Monashee says he didn’t see it coming.

Eric Foster and other Liberal MLA’s were told by Christy Clark this morning that she was resigning as party leader at a caucus meeting in Penticton.

“We didn’t expect it. There was a lot of wet eyes in the room, I’ll tell you,” Foster tells Kiss FM.

Foster says it was Clark’s decision to leave.

“This was personal. Nobody pushed her, or forced her out, or anything like that. She weighed this out and felt this was in the best interest of the party and the province.”

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Foster says Clark’s departure at this point, allows the party to pick a new leader and be ready to fight the next election, whenever that may be.

“By not hanging around, it gives us an opportunity to have a leadership race and get a new leader in place.”

Foster guesses the party could have a new leader by next spring.

The three term MLA from Lumby has no beefs against Clark, calling her “an outstanding leader.”

“I’ve worked for two premiers (Gordon Campbell was the other). I’ve found her, as a leader of the group, to be outstanding. She was a great person to work with, and to work for,” says Foster.

Foster isn’t sure who may run for the new leader, but he’s ruling himself out.

“I’m not interested,” says Foster.

As for who could run, Foster says this: “I don’t know. There is a whole lot of capable people in the room, and a lot of capable people outside the room. I think we’ll be hearing from people over the next month who’s really interested.

Clark was BC premier and Liberal leader from 2011 to 2017.

She will also be resigning her MLA seat in Kelowna West.

Rich Coleman, MLA for Langley East, was chosen to be the Liberal’s leader in caucus.

Photo: Premier Christy Clark and Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster

The MLA for Shuswap says he was disappointed — but not overly surprised that Christy Clark is stepping down as Liberal leader.

Greg Kyllo says Clark is a single mom with a growing son, who has given everything she has to the position.

“The job of being premier and leader of a party is a significant amount of work, you know 70 to 80 hours a week. She certainly has reason to hold her head high and be extremely proud of what she’s done for British Columbia,” Kyllo tells Kiss FM.

Kyllo, who is just starting his second term in Victoria, says he hasn’t heard of any possible candidates yet, but he says he won’t be running for it.

“There is certainly some great talent within our existing caucus, and I’m sure we’ll see some amazing candidates put their names forward in the months ahead,” adds Kyllo.

by Corey Fischer