B.C. will have a new premier by the end of February.
The provincial executive of the BC Liberal Party has approved a leadership vote on Feb. 26, 2011, although it's still uncertain how the ballots will be cast.
A leadership convention has been ruled out because the vote is sandwiched between an extraordinary convention, slated for Feb. 12, and the party's biennial convention, to be held in Penticton in May.
No candidates have officially stepped forward to replace Premier Gordon Campbell, who announced his resignation on Nov. 3, as his personal popularity sank to record lows.
Campbell pledged to stay on until a leadership vote could be held, but at least one cabinet insider, Energy Minister Bill Bennett, has urged the premier to step down as soon as possible.
The upcoming ballot will be the first leadership vote held by BC Liberals in 17 years.
