BC United MLA scraps retirement to run as independent, citing backroom deal [Video]

A sitting BC United MLA who had said she would not run for re-election has reversed course and announced plans to compete as an independent in October’s provincial vote.

Karin Kirkpatrick, who represents West Vancouver-Capilano, has been among the loudest voices criticizing BC United Leader Kevin Falcon’s move to suspend the party’s campaign and back the BC Conservatives.

Kirkpatrick announced her plans to retire in February, but on Monday, Kirkpatrick said she decided to run again after talking to constituents in her riding.

“I heard loud and clear from members of our community, they don’t want to vote for an NDP government but they feel deeply uncomfortable supporting the BC Conservatives, a party that is not ready to govern and does not reflect their beliefs,” she said.

Kirkpatrick said many voters have been made political orphans, criticizing the NDP as too far left and the BC Conservatives as tolerant of …