The Mayor of Barriere is preparing to take a leave of absence so he can focus on his provincial election campaign.

Ward Stamer – who will be running for the BC Conservatives in Kamloops North Thompson – will officially step aside on Sept. 3.

“I always felt that I didn’t want to be in a conflict of interest running for provincial politics or federal politics for that matter, and I asked council for a leave of absence, so I’ll be stepping down after the Fall Fair,” Stamer said.

“That leave of absence will take me right till the end of the election period on October 20.”

Speaking on NL Newsday, Stamer says second term councillor Rob Kerslake will take over as acting mayor of Barriere while he is away. Kerslake will also represent the District of Barriere on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s board, while Stamer is out on the campaign trail.

“I’ll clear out my office and it’ll be Rob’s for two months,” Stamer added.

“Nothing changes with signing authority and stuff. I’m not going to be signing but we’ve got already set up with Councillor [Donna] Kibble and then two staff members so that is going to stay the same. We’ll just see what happens during the election.”

Stamer is serving his second term as Barriere mayor, having also spent 10 years as a Councillor, after he was first elected in 2008.

He also sought the federal Conservative nomination in Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo after Cathy McLeod announced her retirement, but lost to current MP, Frank Caputo.

Stamer will be running against incumbent BC United MLA Todd Stone in Kamloops-North Thompson, and political newcomer Maddi Genn, who will represent the BC NDP. The Green Party yet to nominate a candidate in the riding.

If he wins the election, Stamer says he will resign as mayor so a by-election can be held in Barriere.