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VICTORIA — Liberal MLA Rich Coleman is out of the race to become the next mayor of Surrey.

After weeks of hints and speculation, Coleman announced he will not seek the post being vacated by departing Mayor Linda Hepner.

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“Many people have asked me to consider a new act in my political life,” the long-serving Langley East MLA said Tuesday.

“The support was overwhelming and as I’ve done throughout my career, I wanted to take the time to make the right decision.

“After careful consideration and many family discussions, I will not be leaving the arena of provincial politics.”

Coleman faced fierce criticism in the aftermath of a blistering June 27 report on criminal money laundering in B.C. casinos, but a spokesman said that’s not the reason Coleman is bailing out of the mayor’s race.

“Our polls had him up eight points, even after the report,” said Jordan Bateman, one of Coleman’s political organizers. “But his wife and grandkids want him around more often.”