Thursday marked a tough day for B.C.'s two main political parties, with Liberal leadership hopeful Ed Mayne and New Democrat contender Harry Lali both withdrawing their bids to run their parties.
In a surprise announcement on Vancouver Island, Mayne said he's throwing in the towel in the fight to replace outgoing Premier Gordon Campbell. The news comes just a day after Moira Stilwell withdrew her bid.
Mayne said he will support "fellow small town guy" George Abbott in his race.
"I believe he is the only candidate who can take us beyond 2013 and ensure the party remains valid in the eyes of the people of British Columbia," Mayne said.
The resignations of Mayne and Stilwell leave just four candidates in the running for Liberal leader: former Liberal cabinet ministers Christy Clark, George Abbott, Kevin Falcon and Mike de Jong.
Meanwhile, New Democrat Harry Lali quit his party's leadership race, citing a lack of funds and resources.
The Merritt-area MLA said it would cost at least $215,000 to mount a credible bid under current NDP rules that stipulate each candidate must contribute half of their contributions to the party.
His departure leaves five people in the running to replace Carole James: MLAs Adrian Dix, Mike Farnworth, John Horgan and Nicholas Simons and marijuana activist Dana Larsen.
The NDP will vote on a new leader April 17, while the Liberals will hold a province-wide ballot next weekend to replace Gordon Campbell.
