Wilkinson resigns as B.C. Liberal leader

Two days after leading his party to a disastrous showing in a provincial election, B.C. Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson has announced his resignation.

In a brief statement to media Monday (Oct. 26), Wilkinson called leading the party “a great honour” but said he will step down as soon as a new leader is chosen.

While results may shift slightly as mail-in ballots are counted, the B.C. Liberals were elected or leading in 29 of the province’s 87 ridings, far behind the NDP’s 55. It was the party’s worst electoral result in decades.

The Kamloops-raised Wilkinson, MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena, was chosen as Christy Clark’s successor in February 2018.

“I want to thank Andrew Wilkinson for his service and dedication to the people of British Columbia in his role as Opposition leader,” said NDP leader and Premier John Horgan. “I’ve done that job, and I’ve often said it is the toughest job in politics. Mr. Wilkinson led the official opposition through a very challenging time for our province. He ran a spirited campaign and I wish him the best in the future.

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“Mr. Wilkinson has made our province and our civic life stronger by offering his ideas and his vision for our province. We are all better for his contributions. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all candidates from all parties who put their names forward in the election. Our democracy requires brave people to put their hands up, no matter the result,” added Horgan.