Liberal leadership hopeful Kevin Falcon picked up an endorsement today from the last senior cabinet minister to state a preference in the race to replace Premier Gordon Campbell, Finance and Health Minister Colin Hansen.

"British Columbia’s economy requires a strong leader who clearly understands today’s fiscal realities and what it will take to grow and build our economy," said Hansen in a Falcon campaign release. "Kevin stands out as the candidate with the drive and vision to keep our party united, build on our track record of economic prosperity, and win the next election."

In recent years Hansen was often named as a possible successor to Campbell, but as finance minister he was closely associated with the unpopular introduction of the harmonized sales tax. Public reaction to the tax led to Campbell's resignation.

Yesterday Hansen was one of three Liberal MLAs, along with Solicitor General Rich Coleman and Transportation Minister Shirley Bond, to deliver speeches in the legislature recognizing Campbell's contributions to the province and public life.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.