BC United MLA Shirley Bond said on Thursday that the decision by Kevin Falcon to suspend their party’s election campaign came as a complete surprise to her and she had decided to withdraw as a candidate in the upcoming provincial election on October 19.
Bond said in a statement from Prince George: “Today I am announcing that I have decided to withdraw as a candidate in the upcoming provincial election taking place on October 19, 2024. The decision made by BC United party leader Kevin Falcon to suspend our party’s election campaign came as a complete surprise to me and I have spent the past 24 hours with my family thinking about what my next steps should be. Together, we have decided that I will be withdrawing my name as a candidate in the upcoming provincial election.”
Bond said she will speak to the media in person on Tuesday, September 3.
She said: “I am currently spending several days with my grandsons and family, a summer tradition with these days planned long ago, but I felt it was important to make my intentions clear.”
She added: “Details will be shared later. For now, a few days to reflect and spend time with the family I cherish.”
Bond said: “I cannot begin to describe the honour that it has been to serve the people of Prince George-Valemount and the Province of BC as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Minister, Opposition Leader and Interim Party Leader over the course of two decades.
“I want to thank my family, friends, colleagues, the supporters and volunteers who have worked so hard on my behalf, even knocking on doors and making hundreds of phone calls this week alone. I will always be humbled and grateful for your friendship and belief in me. To my staff, there are no words to describe how much you mean to me and how incredible you have been in serving our constituents and province. I have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of calls, messages, and texts of personal support that I have received. I am sure you can understand I have not been able to respond yet, but I will try to connect with you in the days ahead.”
