Falcon appears set to join B.C. Liberal race

B.C. Health Minister Kevin Falcon appears to be gearing up to announce his candidacy for the provincial Liberal leadership.

In a written statement released Sunday, the Surrey-Cloverdale MLA said he would make an announcement Tuesday "regarding the B.C. Liberal Party's upcoming leadership vote."

Falcon will start the day in his Surrey riding, where he's expected to announce his entry into the race, then travel to Prince George.

A spokesperson for Falcon said the politician will go to Prince George because there's a "significant group" of community leaders there who want him to run.

Falcon's team would not say on Sunday whether Falcon would resign his cabinet post, adding he won't be making any comments until Tuesday.

Liberal insiders have long speculated Falcon would join the race to succeed Premier Gordon Campbell.

Falcon was first elected in Surrey-Cloverdale in 2001, and re-elected in 2005 and 2009. He has served as minister of transportation and minister of state for de-regulation.

Before his election as an MLA, Falcon worked in corporate communications and real estate development.

Two B.C. Liberal MLAs — George Abbott and Moira Stilwell — have quit the provincial cabinet in recent weeks and declared their candidacy.

In addition, former B.C. cabinet minister and Vancouver talk-radio host Christy Clark said Friday she was considering a leadership bid.

Solicitor General Rich Coleman and Attorney General Mike de Jong are also seen as strong potential candidates and both are currently considering runs.