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Although the legislature technically currently has two other independent MLAs, one is leader of the B.C. Green party (Andrew Weaver) and the other is a Liberal MLA who resigned to face criminal charges (Pat Pimm).

Huntington declined to elaborate on her health concerns, but said she’s had “a couple of warnings” about her lifestyle and that she needs to “get myself in shape.”

“It’s a consuming job,” she said. “You are stopped on the sidewalks, stopped in the stores and I’ve enjoyed it, but it is consuming and there’s very little time for reflection and getting healthy.”

Her departure means the B.C. Greens, which had out of respect chosen not to run anyone against Huntington, could now field a candidate.

However, the riding before Huntington had been strong B.C. Liberal territory, with Liberal MLAs holding the seat for almost 20 years. The Liberal candidate for 2017 is Delta Coun. Ian Patton. The NDP have not selected a candidate.

Huntington was widely respected by many MLAs in the other political parties.

“That is, I think, my fondest sense of achievement — my integrity is in tact,” she said. “I’ve been able to speak the truth, I’ve been able to analyze issues in an honest way.”

Returning Delta South to what will likely become Liberal control was difficult, said Huntington.

“That was a huge concern in my decision-making. I know the candidate and I know the government and I don’t think the policies he’s going to have to represent are the healthiest for my riding. And if he believes the same, he’s not going to be able to say that or fight for it. The discipline of a party and the influence, the power the leader has on where you go and what you do in a party is pervasive. Party discipline is what it is, you read your talking points and represent the policy of the government and that’s it.”