B.C.'s next premier has reiterated her campaign promise to hold the pending HST referendum early, but says it will be months before she moves on her pledge to call a provincial election.
Clark spoke to reporters outside her son Hamish's hockey game Sunday, saying she's already started tackling her duties as premier designate for the BC Liberals.
The former radio host confirmed plans to hold the HST referendum June 24, but said a provincial election is not on her immediate agenda. "I'm not thinking about an election in the next few months," she said.
Clark didn't specify a date during her campaign, but said it would be in advance of the 2013 provincial election.
Related: Christy Clark candidate profile
In the meantime, Clark said earning a seat in a by-election is a priority. She has indicated that running for outgoing Premier Gordon Campbell's seat is a possibility.
Clark also dismissed speculation her election could cause the party to fracture. The former deputy premier, whose leadership campaign received support from just one of 47 sitting Liberal MLAs, says the party's caucus is ready to rally behind her.
"I talked to most of them in the last 24 hours and I'll tell you, everybody has a real, real willingness to work together and make sure that we're united," she said.
Despite a contentious leadership battle that gave rise to an "Anyone But Christy" movement, Clark was joined on stage at the Vancouver Convention Centre after her victory Saturday night by an enthusiastic crowd of ministers and MLAs.
Clark was elected in a weighted, preferential ballot system that saw about 62 per cent of registered Liberals cast votes. In total, 28,411 members chose Clark as either their first, second or third choice.
She will officially replace Campbell next month at a swearing-in ceremony.
