Surrey MLA Linda Hepner will not seek re-election in B.C. vote, citing four-year commitment

Surrey-Serpentine River MLA Linda Hepner says she will not seek re-election in British Columbia’s Oct. 24 provincial election, citing the commitment required for another four-year term in Victoria.

In a Sept. 22 note to B.C. Conservatives leader Lorne Doerkson, Hepner said she had considered the upcoming election carefully and decided not to run again. Hepner, who turned 77 this year, said she remains committed to supporting colleagues and helping them move forward.

The announcement followed a turbulent week. Hepner left the B.C. Conservative caucus on Sept. 20, saying she had lost confidence in the party’s leadership, then rejoined the following day under Doerkson after Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s departure.

Hepner criticized the timing of the snap election call, saying a provincial campaign during municipal elections was disrespectful to British Columbians and an unnecessary exercise in political self-interest. Elected as an MLA in 2024, she was Surrey’s mayor from 2014 to 2018 and previously served three terms as a city councillor.