Prince George, B.C. – The B.C. Liberals have set the date for a leadership vote, it will be February 26th, but Health Minister Kevin Falcon  won't yet say if  his name will be on the ballot.

Speaking at several events in Prince George yesterday, Falcon says he will make his decision following careful thought and discussion with his family. “I guess there are some people who are in a real rush to make up their mind on an issue like this, but, I know enough about the job, having sat and watched what the Premier’s had to do for the last ten years, to know that it is a decision I am not going to make lightly or quickly. I’m going to take some real time with my family to make sure when I make a decision it’s the right decision.”

Falcon says he understands why  Surrey Mayor Diane Watts decided not to run for the post, but hopes she will get involved in Provincial politics when she is ready.  “I know it was a very tough decision for Diane. I had the chance to talk to her a couple of times about this very issue, and you know, she’s got a family too, and it’s obviously, when she thinks about jumping into provincial politics, she pointed out, it’s  tough, its got tough media, it is not an easy place to operate   particularly when you have a young family. I think she has done an exceptional job as the Mayor of Surrey, I think we should just be honoured by the fact she gave real consideration to thinking about running with  our party and I’m hoping there will be an opportunity in the future to get Diane into provincial politics because I think she brings a lot to the table. “

In announcing the date for the leadership vote,  the Party says there will not be a leadership "convention" because there is already  an extraordinary convention to be held February 12, 2011 in Vancouver, and the party Biennial Convention to be held May 13th & 14th, 2011 in Penticton.

Discussions of how ballots are to be cast are ongoing and an announcement will be made at a later date.