The Richmond Centre riding took another twist Friday when Mountie Gary Law announced he will run in May’s provincial election as an independent candidate.

Law, a Burnaby corporal who’s devoted decades of service to the local community as a Richmond resident, was being lined up to run for the Liberals in departing Rob Howard’s patch.

But in controversial circumstances, the Liberals pulled Law’s nomination and the police are investigating claims he was threatened by texts and calls demanding he pull out of the nomination process.

The Liberals have, instead, installed Teresa Wat into the hot seat for the election.

On Friday, Law released a statement to the media, saying that he recognizes the added challenge of being an independent but added that, with the support of the community, he will accomplish his “long term personal goal, and that is to serve my community, my province, and my country.”

He said, if elected, he would pay close attention to Richmond’s emergency preparedness for disasters, juvenile delinquency and affordable housing for seniors.

“With your support and participation, and with your vote, we can have hope and hope will bring change,” said Law.

“This is what an MLA should do and this is what Richmond needs. If you do not come to vote, you will not get any hope, but I can assure that what you will get in future is simply disappointment.”

Law urged the public to join his team in the run up to the election.