B.C. NDP firebrand Lali set to enter race

The B.C. NDP leadership campaign is expected to heat up a little more Wednesday with the anticipated announcement that party firebrand Harry Lali will enter the race.  

Lali, one of the NDP's most colourful and combative MLAs, has scheduled a morning announcement in Merritt.

He remained a staunch supporter of former premier Glen Clark throughout the so-called Casinogate scandal in 1999.

Lali even suggested at the time that the police investigation was a conspiracy involving the RCMP, the media and the B.C. Liberals.

The veteran MLA from the Fraser-Nicola riding has also tangled with members of his own party.

Last fall — as Carole James's hold on the leadership began to weaken — Lali was one of the harshest critics.

"There's a tight knit group of advisors around Carole James who have been giving her bad advice," he said.

Harry Lali would be the second MLA to enter the NDP leadership race.

The member for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, Nicholas Simons, announced his candidacy Wednesday.

Marijuana activist Dana Larsen entered the campaign last week.