Surrey mayor Dianne Watts won't run for Liberal leadership Surrey, Liberal, mayor, leadership, won

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Surrey mayor Dianne Watts won't run for Liberal leadership
Cites family reasons for her decision
News1130 Staff Nov 14, 2010 18:07:38 PM
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SURREY (NEWS1130) - After a lot of speculation, Surrey mayor Dianne Watts made a special announcement tonight saying she won't run for BC Liberal Party leadership

Watts was widely regarded as the front-runner in the race to replace Gordon Campbell in the premier's chair.

She said she decided against running in the race based on what impact it would have on her family. In a statement, Watts says, "The sacrifices both personal and professional are enormous and the toll it takes on your family can be very difficult."

She also said her job as a mayor of Surrey is not done. Watts says she has been able to implement significant public policy initiatives and lay a foundation for the future of the city.

In an exclusive interview with Global TV, Watts said, "It certainly has been overwhelming. I have to say that the amount of letters and messages and emails that I have received are really very, very flattering."

Speaking live on News1130 Sean Holman of Public-Eye-Online says her decision isn't surprising and it's hard to say who will now come out on top. "It will be interesting. It's shaping up to be essentially a race of insiders."


Watts does say she could consider provincial politics in the future. A recent poll suggested 65 per cent of British Columbians were in favour of Watts taking a run for provincial leadership.