By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond announced her decision to withdraw her candidacy for the upcoming provincial election on Thursday. The decision signals the end of her over-20 year career in B.C.’s Legislative Assembly.
Bond’s withdrawal follows yesterday’s announcement from B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon that the party is suspending its election campaign. At a press conference yesterday, Falcon said B.C. United will work with the B.C. Conservative party to put forward the best candidates, but could not confirm which United candidates would be adopted by the Conservative party.
The campaign suspension was a “complete surprise,” Bond said in a press release.
“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,” she wrote.
Currently, the only other candidate running in the Prince George-Valemount district is Conservative candidate Rosalyn Bird, according to Elections BC.
Bond will hold an in-person event for media on September 3rd. Check The Goat’s website for further updates.
