Liberals Mayne and Stilwell bow out in favour of Abbott

B.C. Liberal leadership candidate Ed Mayne has followed in the steps of former rival Moira Stilwell andhas dropped out of the race to replace Gordon Campbell, CBC News has learned.

Mayne, a businessman and former mayor of Parksville, is to announce his withdrawal andhis support for candidate George Abbott at a news conference Thursday.

Earlier Wednesday,Stilwellthe first MLA to declare for the leadership told reporters she was running toofar behind the leading candidates to possibly win the race.

Stilwell also threwher support behindAbbott, who has substantial support from caucus, as well as party members from the Interior. A total of 19 MLAs now support the Shuswap MLA.

Stilwell was first elected in 2009 asthe MLA for Vancouver-Langara.

Before being elected, Stilwell was head of nuclear medicine at St. Paul's Hospital, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Abbottsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Clinic.

Also on Wednesday, candidate Kevin Falcon picked up some more support in his bid to become the next premier.

Science and Universities Minister Ida Chong and Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid said Falcon is the clear choice.

Falcon now has the support of 18 MLAs, 10 of them cabinet ministers.

The Liberals will select their new leader on Feb. 26.