Local MLAs were quick to rally behind Christy Clark following her B.C. Liberal Party leadership victory on Saturday night.
Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell and Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond both expressed disappointment that Kevin Falcon, the candidate they supported, fell short of winning but also characterized Clark as a capable leader.
"Kevin had a good run, he didn't quite cross the finish line but now all of us have to get behind Christy and deliver a unified team and I'm pretty confident we're going to be able to do that," said Bell.
Asked about the fact the Clark is a woman, Bond said It's exciting to have a female premier.
"But my view has always been you want the best person for the job and tonight British Columbians in the B.C. Liberal Party decided that Christy Clark is the best person to lead our party and so, we're going to be part of her team," Bond said.
Clark, who needed 4,251 to win, garnered 4,420 votes on the third ballot to runner up Falcon's 4,080.
They were also one-two through the two previous ballots.
On the opening ballot, Clark attracted 3,209 votes to Falcon's 2,411. George Abbott was third at 2,091 and Mike de Jong was forced off the second ballot after gaining just 789 votes.
In the second ballot, Clark drew 3,575 votes, Falcon 2,564 and Abbott 2,361 votes.
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