BC United MLA gives up retirement to run as independent, citing ‘closed-door agreement’

The incumbent Member of the United Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, who previously announced she would not seek re-election, has changed her mind and announced she intends to run as an independent candidate in the October provincial election.

Karin Kirkpatrick, who represents the riding of West Vancouver-Capilano, has been among the most vocal critics of BC United Leader Kevin Falcon’s decision to suspend his party campaign and support the BC Conservatives.

Kirkpatrick announced she intended to retire in February, but said Monday she decided to run again after talking to voters in her district.

“I have heard loud and clear from members of our community that they do not want to vote for an NDP government, but they are deeply uncomfortable supporting the BC Conservative Party, a party that is not ready to govern and does not reflect their views,” she said.

Kirkpatrick said many voters had become political orphans, criticizing the NDP for being too left-wing and the BC Conservatives for being tolerant of conspiracy theories and extreme views.

She added that many BC United staff, volunteers, MPs and first-time candidates feel betrayed by Falcon’s “backroom deal” to ally with the Conservatives.

She joins current BC United Legislative Assembly members Mike Bernier, Dan Davies, Tom Shypitka and Coralee Oakes, who have announced they will run independently.

Several first-time BC United candidates, as well as several former BC Conservative candidates, have also announced they will now run independently.

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“There is a very real possibility that a handful of independents will be able to gain control of the balance of power in the next legislative session,” Kirkpatrick said.

“These independent voices will have the opportunity to moderate government and work together to promote policies that share our beliefs.”

BC United (formerly the BC Liberal Party) has governed the electoral district of West Vancouver-Capilano since its formation in 1991.

Kirkpatrick was first elected there in 2020, winning more than 57% of the vote.

The British Columbia Conservatives fielded Lynne Block in the riding, the British Columbia New Democratic Party fielded Sara Eftekhar, and the British Columbia Greens fielded Rasoul Narimani.

British Columbians will go to the polls on October 19.

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