B.C. Attorney General Mike de Jong officially threw in his bid for the leadership of the Liberal party at a press conference at the Abbotsford airport Wednesday morning.
Someone on de Jong's campaign team jumped the gun last night, announcing his intentions on Facebook.
Running on the platform "a fresh start for B.C.," the MLA for Abbotsford-West says he plans to use his campaign to generate the "dialogue that will help set our agenda for the next decade."
De Jong said he plans to travel the province listening to British Columbians, something he's termed "Open Mike."
"Because I want you to know that I am dedicated to the task of making this province better," he told the audience. "We can make this happen."
De Jong said he told Premier Gordon Campbell Tuesday night, and tendered his resignation as attorney general and house leader. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Barry Penner has been appointed to replace de Jong. He will continue to hold his existing position.
The campaign to lead the BC Liberals was slow to pick up candidates after Campbell announced his resignation on Nov. 3.
But the race has gained momentum in the past week, with Kevin Falcon, George Abbott and Moira Stilwell all resigning their cabinet positions and launching their campaigns.
After weeks of speculation, Solicitor General Rich Coleman said Wednesday he won't be seeking to replace Campbell because his heart is not in it.
Last week, former deputy premier and radio host Christy Clark said she was considering throwing her hat into the ring, and was taking a vacation to weigh her options.
The party will vote on Gordon Campbell's successor on Feb. 26, 2011.
