Horgan to step down as premier, won’t seek re-election

B.C. Premier John Horgan says he wanted to end all of the speculation.

Horgan has told a news conference he will step down as premier and has asked the New Democratic Party to set a date for a leadership convention this fall.

He also will not seek re-election in hs Vancouver Island riding of Langford-Juan de Fuca.

“This has been the thrill of my life to be the premier of B.C. and I will be the premier of B.C. tomorrow and the day after that. I want to put the speculation to rest so we can get back to what really matters, and that is the issues before British Columbians,” Horgan said.

The 62-year-old Horgan has been the province’s premier since 2017.

Pay

Vernon's mayor and council pay going up as originally planned

11h ago

Official Community Plan

Vernon's new OCP officially adopted

12h ago

Shopping Interruption

Vernon's mall evacuated after fire alarm pulled

12h ago

He recently went through a second bout of cancer which involved 35 radiation treatments on his throat.

The veteran politician says he is now “cancer free.”

“My health is good, but my energy lags as the days go by,” Horgan said.

“I’m not able to make another six year commitment to this job.”

Horgan has been the MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca for 17 years, leader of the NDP for eight years, and working in government for 36 years.

“My spouse [Ellie] and I just felt it was time that I passed on to another generation.”

Being the Premier of BC is not a job I ever expected, but it’s been the honour of my life.

Having just beat a second round of cancer, I’ve made the tough call not to run in the next election.

By working together and caring for each other, we've accomplished a lot. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/L1svGi4JEW

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) June 28, 2022