B.C. Liberal Party set to become B.C. United after members vote to change party name

B.C. Liberal Party members havevoted to change the name of theparty toB.C. United.

Party Leader Kevin Falcon announced the results of a vote on the name change on Wednesday in which 80 per cent of those who cast a ballot supported the move following a process that began at theparty'sJune convention.

"A commitment was made and commitment was kept," Falcon said as he announced the results, adding that he was "thrilled" with the vote.

Falcon said the name signifies a party "united by values, united by determination."

"I want this party to be a big tent party," he said.

WATCH | Kevin Falcon says he welcomes the potential name change:

B.C. Liberal leader discusses importance of party's name change

2 years ago

Duration 0:25

Kevin Falcon describes the benefits which he believes will flow from a decision to change the party's name. Eighty per cent of party members who voted approved B.C. United as the new name. Eighteen per cent of its 45,000 members cast a ballot.

The motion required more than60 per cent of voters to agree to the name change in order to trigger the party'sconstitutional ratification process.

B.C. United was chosen as the alternative name afternearly 2,000 suggestionswere reviewed, according to the party.

The party said prior to the vote thatB.C. United reflects a fresh alternative that expresses a commitment to unity across a broad coalition of members while highlighting the province's name.

Voting began Nov. 13 and wrapped Wednesday.

Approximately 8,100, or 18 per cent, of the party's 45,000 members cast a ballot in the vote, which included both phone and online voting options.

Falcon called that level of voter turnout a success, suggesting that newer members who joined as part of this year's leadership race might not have the same level of interest in a new name as longtime members.

The change now needs to be approved by members at convention, which Falcon says will likely be early next year.

It's also up to them to decide when the change will be made, something Falcon says they want to be smart about.

He says if the NDP government and incoming premier, David Eby, call a snap election, he won't change the name immediately.

Because he doesn't control the electoral timeline, Falcon says they want to be careful about their timing.

Falcon had made renaming the party one of the planks of his policy platformduring his leadership campaign.

The centre-right B.C. Liberals are not affiliated with the federal Liberal Party and have described themselves as a "made-in-B.C. free enterprise coalition.'' Some members believethe name has turned away conservative-leaning voters.