Two incumbent Richmond Conservative MLAs to run in Oct. 24 provincial election

Richmond-Queensborough MLA Steve Kooner and Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat, both incumbent B.C. Conservative MLAs, will run in their respective ridings in the Oct. 24 provincial election. Wat left the B.C. Conservatives about a month ago, citing concerns with the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who has since resigned.

Richmond Centre MLA Hon Chan, who sits as an independent, said in an emailed statement to Richmond News that he is “seriously considering” seeking re-election. He said he is preparing to run as an independent while also discussing options with other parties. Chan was removed from the B.C. Conservative caucus in March after being charged with assault, assault by choking and uttering threats. His case has moved to B.C. Supreme Court for trial by judge and jury. Chan called the Oct. 24 election “wholly unnecessary and a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

In Richmond-Steveston, NDP MLA Kelly Greene has announced that she will not seek re-election. Former Richmond South Centre MLA Henry Yao, meanwhile, intends to seek the seat now known as Richmond Centre after withdrawing from the mayoral race late last week, before the Sept. 18 deadline.

Yao said his decision to run for mayor had been a “knee jerk” response to negative comments about the Aster Place social housing complex, and acknowledged that withdrawing would disappoint people. He said he had not discussed his decision to run provincially with NDP Leader David Eby, but argued that a snap election was needed amid uncertainty from “external threats.” Asked whether the NDP could lose, Yao said voters have the right to choose their government and that he would respect their decision.