Oppal to run in new riding in May

Attorney General Wally Oppal made it official Tuesday night that he would be running as a Liberal candidate in the Delta South riding during the May 12 provincial election.

Oppal’s move from his current riding had been anticipated, since Delta South’s current MLA Val Roddick said she would not seek re-election.

Oppal said running in the riding was a logical step, given that he has lived in it for over a decade.

"I would like to think that some of the really creative things we’re doing in the Attorney General’s Ministry will reflect on what I can do for the community," Oppal said.

The Delta South riding has been held by the Liberals since its creation, while Oppal’s current riding of Vancouver-Fraserview has elected an NDP representative for half of its existence.

Still, Oppal contends victory is not assured.

"You have to go out and work, and you have to meet the people. And I expect that I’ll go out and do a lot of door-knocking and meeting people and meeting organizations, and the only thing I ask them to do is look at my track record and vote for me."

Tuesday’s announcement of Oppal’s riding change is increasing speculation that former West Vancouver police chief Kash Heed will be asked to run for the Liberals in Vancouver-Fraserview. However, Oppal would not comment on the rumour.