The BC Liberals have elected one of the longest-serving MLAs as its interim caucus leader, until a permanent leader is chosen.

Prince George – Valemount MLA Shirley Bond will serve as the interim leader until at least next summer, when the party chooses a permanent leader going forward.

Unlike a permanent party leader, the interim caucus leader has to be an elected member of the party. An interim leader also cannot seek permanent party leadership. Bond was chosen out of the 28 BC Liberal members elected last month.

The news of Bond being named interim leader has been confirmed by at least one Liberal MLA.

“I would like to sincerely congratulate Shirley Bond as our new interim leader of the official opposition. Shirley’s extensive experience and great passion fighting for the citizens of all of B.C. will be a strong asset as we hold Premier Horgan accountable to deliver on his promises,” Penticton MLA Dan Ashton wrote on Twitter this afternoon.

Party leadership opened up after Andrew Wilkinson announced he would be stepping down, following the Oct. 24 election where the BC Liberals lost 13 seats in the Legislature.

Bond was first elected in 2001 in her riding. She is the second-longest-serving MLA among BC Liberals; with only Abbotsford West MLA Mike de Jong having served longer (1994).

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar was rumored to be a candidate for interim leadership, but reports so far indicate he was not on the vote within caucus.

Candidates for permanent party leadership have not been named, but Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone says he is strongly considering running again. He ran in 2018 for party leadership but lost to Wilkinson.

Stone explained the interim leader will guide the Official Opposition through the spring session, from February to May.

NDP members of the B.C Legislature will be sworn in tomorrow, and Premier John Horgan will name a cabinet on Thursday. BC Liberal members will be sworn in on Friday.

Horgan was one of the first people to congratulate Bond on being named interim leader.

“As an MLA since 2001 she has an incredible amount of experience. Looking forward to working with her in her role as leader of the opposition to support British Columbians through the pandemic and beyond,” the Premier wrote on Twitter.