RICHMOND – He was never in but now he says he won’t do it!
Former federal Liberal MP and businessman Herb Dhaliwal has decided against seeking the BC Liberal leadership.
In a press release Friday, Dhaliwal, former MP from Vancouver-South, said he will not seek the provincial Leadership of the BC Liberals.
DESIBUZZCanada had originally broken the story that the former federal minister in the Jean Chretien governments was considering throwing his hat in the provincial Liberal leadership ring which is currently underway with 6 candidates.
Dhaliwal, the first ever South Asian Sikh to be appointed to the Cabinet in any Western democracy, said that “after lengthy consultations with my family, my friends and political supporters across British Columbia, I will not be putting my name forward.”
Dhaliwal admitted he seriously entertained the possibility of a Leadership bid, and was encouraged by countless numbers of long-time supporters especially.
He also stated that he had some reluctance not to enter the current contest scheduled to be decided in early February “because our Province and its electorate deserves strong Liberal alternative leadership in Victoria, representing fresh ideas.”
“I have come to the difficult decision…that my seeking to lead the Liberal Party of B.C. at this time in my life is just not a fit. Anyone seeking to champion the forces of free enterprise centered in the BC Liberals as their Leader has to be prepared to invest two, four and maybe even eight to 10 years,” Dhaliwal said.
“Regrettably, I am unable to address that requirement with the kind of passion which I feel is essential for the next BC Liberal Leader. In arriving at this decision I want to thank the many supporters who urged me to toss my hat into the ring.”
