Terrace’s Lucy Sager has withdrawn from the the BC Liberal leadership race, endorsing Dianne Watts as her preferred candidate to lead the party.
“Due to a number of recent personal setbacks I am announcing…that I am stepping out [of] the race to focus on my family,” Sager said in a release. “Together we are proud of the decision and recognize that now is not the right time to pursue the leadership of the party.”
In a telephone interview, Sager declined to comment further on her reasons for stepping aside, but added she’s had time to get to know Watts and feels she will be a strong advocate for the north.
“I entered the race out of recognition that British Columbia needs to find common ground between the north and the south, to champion resource development while striving to find balance in affordability and compassion for those who are struggling to make a better life while calling B.C. home,” said Sager. “Today, myself and my team are putting our support behind Dianne Watts, who I believe has the best opportunity to defeat the NDP in the next election.”
Sager’s campaign has been relatively quiet since she announced her candidacy in September.
The Terrace business woman was absent in the first round of debates Oct.15, hinting to the possibility of her future withdrawal on Facebook: “I know you were wondering where we were today… We were meeting families, signing up members, creating some beautiful memories with my son…There are many paths to Victoria. We may take the one less travelled.”