Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts took a pass on leading the B.C. Liberals.

In a statement released Sunday night, Watts cited family commitments to her two daughters and husband, the prospect of building a successful municipality, and a long-ruling B.C. Liberal government as her reasons not to enter provincial politics.

“As the B.C. Liberal Party seeks to renew and refresh their party and their government, they will go through an important period of self-examination and reflection that is naturally part of any leadership race,” she said. “This process should, and I believe in many ways must, be an internal one.”

Watts also questioned the quality of debate in a “polarized” political landscape in light of VANOC CEO John Furlong and ex-Finance Minister Carole Taylor refusing to enter politics.

“It has become more about personal attacks and less about the issues,” she said. “I really dislike the idea that people in public life are defined by party labels before they have even set foot in the Legislature or commented on an issue.

“I am also deeply frustrated at the bitterness that is so often directed at those who seek or serve in public office.”

Watts has served as Surrey’s mayor for five years.

Dharm Makwana reports for Vancouver 24 hours.