Adrian Dix chosen new leader of BC NDP

Adrian Dix chosen new leader of BC NDP
He got 9772 votes, beating Mike Farnworth who got 9095 votes in third ballot
News1130 Staff Apr 17, 2011 17:18:15 PM
0 Related Stories

•News1130 reporters live at 3 p.m. as leadership convention opens
•Adrian Dix's acceptance speech
•BC NDP: A week to go before party chooses new leader
•BC NDP holds last debate before convention
•Nicholas Simons drops out of BC NDP leadership race
UPDATE: 6:45 p.m. PST: Adrian Dix has been voted the leader of the opposition.

BREAKDOWN AFTER THIRD BALLOT

Adrian Dix-9772
Mike Farnworth-9095

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - After weeks of campaigning, the BC NDP will choose a new leader this afternoon. News1130 will have a team of reporters at the Convention Centre to cover the vote, as well as full analysis throughout the day.

You can also have your say, we've set up a live discussion forum and News1130's @ErinLoxam and others will be blogging throughout the day.

Candidate Mike Farnworth:

He's been a Port Coquitlam city councillor, cabinet minister and Opposition House Leader and now he wants to be Premier.

Mike Farnworth says he can handle the economy better than the Liberal government and he's promising better health care facilities in Surrey, more child care programs across the province and poverty reduction, if elected.

Farnworth scored arguably the biggest endorsement late in the campaign when former Premier Mike Harcourt backed him.

Candidate: Adrian Dix

Vancouver-Kingsway MLA Adrian Dix is hoping to re-energize his party's left-wing base in his quest to be the next leader of BC's New Democrats.

If Dix wins, expect him to pull the NDP back to the party's roots by going after banks and big business while emphasizing health, education, social justice, and the environment.

The 47-year-old has a long history in the party, from serving as Chief of Staff to former Premier Glen Clark to becoming one of the sharpest critics of the Campbell government.

Candidate: John Horgan

John Horgan says no one should underestimate his appeal.

The 51-year-old joined the NDP in 1983, working as an assistant to MP Jim Manly in Ottawa, then returning to BC to work in Mike Harcourt's government.

He was elected as an MLA in 2005 and 2009 in the Vancouver riding of Juan de Fuca.

Horgan describes himself as someone who can not only relate to the "old school NDP," but also someone who can recruit "new blood."

Candidate: Dana Larsen

You might call him the underdog, but Dana Larsen says he's got the skill and experience to win the leadership vote.

"I joined the NDP in 2003 and I've been very active within the party since that time."

He has based his campaign on a four-pillar platform of: democracy, sustainability, social justice and a smart approach to crime.

Larsen wants to rely less on prisons and implement new drug policies. He would also work on expanding the ALR and offering SkyTrain service for free.

He's best known as the founder of the provincial and federal Marijuana Parties.

The return of Carole James

Former leader Carole James is at the convention, and says her welcome at the centre has been heart-warming. "It's wonderful. I think it has taken about 20 minutes to get in the door with people stopping, so it's wonderful and warm welcome. People are excited. It's going to be a very good day."

She's not divulging who she has endorsed as new leader, saying past leaders should stay out of the race.

Follow our reporters covering today's vote @SheilaScott1130 @Jackermann @DanBurritt @1130reporter @Jesse_Johnston

SCHEDULE:

3:00 Introduction & Welcome
3:30 Candidate Speeches
4:00 First Ballot Begins
4:45 First Ballot Announcement
5:00 Second Ballot Begins (if necessary)
5:45 Second Ballot Announcement (if necessary)
6:10 Announcement of Winner
6:15 Speech from Winning Candidate