Who’s backing who for Liberal leadership?

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Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard is backing Kevin Falcon for leader. Howard first encountered the leadership contender when Howard was a Richmond city councillor.

He saw Falcon “do some great things” with “roll-your-sleeves-up kind of work.” When elected as an MLA, Howard said he leaned on Falcon for advice.

“His campaign model is listen, learn and lead, and I’ve seen him live that life. That’s how he operates,” said Howard. “He has shown his ability and willingness to make the tough decisions.”

Falcon is a great speaker and debater who has a “youthful energy,” Howard added.

“I just think that he’s got the ability to catch fire in the province and get people excited about politics again and get people out to the polls.”

Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap is also supporting Kevin Falcon.

Coun. Ken Johnston, a former Vancouver-Fraserview MLA, is supporting Christy Clark. Johnston served as an MLA with Clark in 2001 to 2005.

He said Clark has the best chance of winning an election, as polls suggest.

“She was a deputy premier and a great minister when I was there,” said Johnston. “I believe she’s got the experience and can make the tough decisions, and I believe she’s compassionate. I think the three qualities are fairly important when you’re trying to lead a province.”

Former Richmond Centre MLA Olga Ilich said she worked alongside George Abbott and has seen his inclusive and consultative style as it compares to other candidates for the Liberal leadership.

“I truly believe that George is the best person to take the top job and to lead us into the next election.”

Greg Halsey-Brandt, current councillor and former MLA and mayor, said he respects Abbott’s ability to build consensus and appreciates his history working in local government, which helps him to understand the issues challenging cities across the province.

Abbott’s commitment to ramp up the work that MLAs do in passing provincial legislation that has a real impact on the lives of city residents, has also won Halsey-Brandt’s appreciation.

Richmond East MLA Linda Reid, and deputy speaker of the Legislature, hasn’t announced loyalties to any one candidate.