There will be a new MLA in the Merritt-area for the first time in over a decade as long-time MLA Jackie Tegart will not run in next month’s provincial election

The 11-year veteran of the BC Legislature is one of several BC United incumbents who is no longer seeking re-election after leader Kevin Falcon suspended the party’s election campaign and encouraged supporters to back the BC Conservative Party.

Speaking on NL Newsday, Tegart says last Wednesday’s announcement by Falcon took her “by complete surprise.”

“I spent the weekend talking to family and to people that supported me over the last 11 years looking at the options and made the difficult decision that I would step away,” Tegart said.

Tegart, who is currently serving as the Assistant Deputy Speaker in the BC Legislature, says her time in Victoria was both a privilege and an honour.

“As one door closes, I always believe another one opens,” Tegart said, when asked what she plans to do in the future. “I’ve got a bucket list of places I want to travel to. I’ve got tons of things I want to do.”

“I’ve never been one to sit still. I did 17 years on school board, nine years on my local council [in Ashcroft], and 11 years of service here so I am going to take some time to just kind of sleep a little bit, and then who knows.”

Tegart joins Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone, who is also not seeking re-election. Unlike Stone however, Tegart did not endorse any candidate or party ahead of the Oct. 19 election.

“I really believe that democracy is pretty precious in our country and people have some choices to make and this is a very important election,” Tegart said. “I would urge people to pay attention to platforms and to what the future of BC looks like and to make a very, very important decision on election day.”

“But don’t stay home. Please, don’t stay home.”