Prince George — North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare announced he is suspending his campaign for leader of the Conservative Party of B.C.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Clare said he submitted more than 250 signatures that were required as part of the leadership application. However, a critical number of signatures were from individuals who were not current party members, or whose memberships had long since lapsed.
“We submitted more than we’re required, but unfortunately, a number of them were deemed not to be eligible,” said Clare in an interview with Vista Radio.
He added that there was no way to check if the signatures were valid until after he was approved as a candidate.
“I take responsibility for not being able to collect enough to push us over. We did submit about 15 to 20 per cent more than we were required, but it apparently wasn’t enough.”
The MLA says that the decision is disappointing to all the people who have helped and supported his campaign run, which he said was “easily successful” at clearing the financial part of the candidacy.
Clare’s withdrawal is the second candidate to withdraw their name this week.
Richmond-Queensborough MLA Steve Kooner said on Friday he made the decision last week to withdraw from the race. Coming five B.C. Conservative MLAs announced on Wednesday that they were endorsing Kamloops Centre MLA and finance critic Peter Milobar for the leadership.
Clare has so far not endorsed another candidate.
“I want a number of things,” he says. “I want someone who’s going to be a real conservative and hold to conservative values and conservative principles, which got us as far as we have, and who will push forward a conservative agenda.”
“I want someone inspiring and who will bring leadership skills to the forefront that will bring people into the party and lead us to replace the NDP as government. So far, I am not feeling particularly inspired, but I am hoping that I will be.”
Nine candidates are remaining in the leadership race. The Conservative Party of B.C will elect and announce its new leader on May 30.
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