Mike Farnworth hands John Horgan B.C. NDP leadership

MLA John Horgan is set to become the next leader of the B.C. NDP opposition, after the only other candidate in the race, MLA Mike Farnworth confirmed rumours he was bowing out, on Tuesday afternoon in Victoria.

The party is currently led by MLA Adrian Dix, who said he was stepping down after the party choose a new leader, following his crushing defeat by Liberal Christy Clark in the May 2013 provincial election.

Horgan had originally said he would not run for the party leadership, in order to open the door for newer blood to step forward and lead the party.

But when only Farnworth entered the race, Horgan said he had been persuaded to run by those in the party and entered the race.

The party had scheduled a leadership convention for the fall, but it is now expected Horgan will be acclaimed as leader.