Ex-MLAs independent run opens door to 3-way race in Abbotsford-South Langley [Video]

A longtime Conservative stronghold in B.C.’s Fraser Valley has become a key riding to watch in Monday’s federal election, thanks to a former MLA’s independent run.

Abbotsford-South Langley is a new riding, but the area has gone to the Conservatives or their predecessors for decades.

“Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley generally historically has been a very conservative place,” said University of the Fraser Valley political scientist Hamish Telford.

“I think everyone would have considered that this newly configured riding of Abbotsford-South Langley would be an easy Conservative pickup, but because of this botched nomination process and Mike de Jong running as an independent, I think it’s possibly a three-way race now.”

De Jong served as MLA for the area for three decades and held multiple cabinet portfolios, including finance and health.

He had sought to run for the Conservatives, but said his candidacy was rejected because the party deemed him …