In a close third ballot, Christy Clark was named the Premier-designate for B.C. Saturday night in Vancouver becoming the second female premier in B.C. history.
Clark finished with 4,420 votes or 52 per cent to Kevin Falcon's 4,080, or 48 per cent after the third ballot results were announced at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.
Clark had 3,209 votes in the first ballot, followed by Falcon at 2,411, George Abbott was third at 2,091 followed by Mike de Jong at 789 who was then dropped off the ballot.
After the second ballot, Clark led with 3,575 votes, followed by Falcon with 2,564 and Abbott with 2,361. Candidates needed 4,251 votes to win the party leadership.
"It was an exciting race and it was great for our party. Christy ran a great race and she will be a great leader for our party," Falcon said in an interview on Global TV after the results were announced.
When Clark took to the stage she praised the party for coming together and pledged to fight for change, change that is needed within the party and for the people of British Columbia. She also talked about building consensus and unit within the party and that everyone needs to work hard with the people of British Columbia to help foster that change and unity as well.
"I would like to start tonight by talking to all British Columbians. I want you to be my partners in change in Victoria. I want you to be my partners in bringing open government," Clark said in her acceptance speech. "You can count on me to listen. You can count on me to engage. We are going to shape the future of B.C. together. We are going to build an even stronger coalition together."
After members of the Liberal caucus joined Clark on the stage, she thanked leader Gordon Campbell for his vision, dedication and hard work on behalf of the people of the province.
"Now we come together to deliver the promise of change," Clark said. "British Columbians are counting on each of us tonight to secure a legacy of prosperity for them. To my fellow citizens tonight, I'm looking forward to working for you, but you have to have your voices heard. Change begins tonight and with that change comes with a commitment to listen and do better for B.C. families. Ladies and gentlemen, let's get started."
In a media statement released just minutes after the result was known New Democrat interim leader Dawn offered her congratulations to Clark, but tempered that congratulations with a challenge.
"British Columbia faces serious economic and social challenges that require the immediate attention of the new Premier-designate and her government," said Black. "Restoring trust in government will need to become her immediate priority. I call on Ms. Clark to begin that work by immediately calling MLAs back to the Legislature to take action on behalf of British Columbians. I want to assure the new Premier-designate that the official Opposition is eager and ready to get down to work on these priorities.
"New Democrats will work with the B.C. Liberal government on issues where we agree and continue to provide British Columbians with a principled opposition that offers them a positive agenda for change."
