B.C. Education Minister George Abbott is expected to make an announcement today regarding his future in politics.
Following Kevin Falson's resignation Wednesday as minister, Premier Christy Clark said she expects more party members to follow suit.
"I think there will be some more. Certainly I've had those conversations with people," she said, adding Abbott has already speculated in public about whether or not he's going to run again and that the public should "stay tuned."
"I have had a discussion with every member of my cabinet," said Clark, who asked senior government members to let her know whether they would be standing for re-election before the end of the summer.
But Clark isn't willing to disclose anyone's plans before they're ready to do so themselves.
"When I left public life, personally it was one of the most emotional days I've had in my life," she said. "It's an important decision and it's a decision I think ministers deserve the right to talk about themselves."
It's also a decision local representatives don't begrudge their colleagues.
Both Prince George MLAs Pat Bell and Shirley Bond have already stated their intention to run for re-election next May.
"I think that it is natural for people to contemplate their futures, especially if they've had a number of years in public service. It's a very taxing job and I know how that feels," said Bond, who was given Falcon's portfolio Wednesday on an interim basis.
Bell said he didn't think people should read too much into Falcon's decision, or any party member who has said they're stepping aside.
"It's not unusual in any election to see a significant number of incumbents step aside," he said. "The political arena is not for the faint of heart. For anyone that served two or three terms, it's very, very challenging to contemplate staying."
According to Clark, the loss of incumbents opens the door for party renewal.
"We need to go into the next election campaign with a new team," said the premier. The experienced core - which Clark said deserves to be re-elected - should be balanced with fresh faces and ideas.
"I think it's healthy that there's a natural changeover," Bond added, saying there shouldn't be skepticism about why someone would make the decision to leave public office.
