Longtime Liberal MLA Linda Reid won’t run in next election B.C. election

VICTORIA – A Liberal member of the legislature has decided not to seek re-election after 28 years in British Columbia politics.

Linda Reid says she is stepping aside because she wants to create opportunities for a new generation to run for office.

The Liberal critic for seniors says in a statement that her priority throughout her career has been to encourage young people, especially women, to get involved in politics.

The former Speaker of the legislature and advanced education minister was first elected in 1991.

Reid, who represents Richmond South Centre in the house, recently defended her co-operation with an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing by former sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz, which he has denied.

Ex-Vancouver police deputy chief Doug LePard led the investigation and said Reid declined to be interviewed for his report because she was away.

Reid wasn't accused of wrongdoing but some witnesses told LePard they raised concerns with her about the issue of thousands of dollars of liquor being removed from the legislature while her predecessor Bill Barisoff was Speaker.

She said earlier this month that the incident didn't happen while she was Speaker and she did co-operate with LePard's investigation by answering some written questions through her lawyer.

In his report, LePard says he was told by her lawyer that Reid did not have any documents, information or knowledge that was relevant to his investigation.

The next provincial election in B.C. is scheduled to be held in two years.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2019.