BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson on Monday announced that he is stepping down and has asked the party president to work with the party executive to immediately determine the timeline for a leadership election process to select the next leader of the party.
Wilkinson said in his statement: “After Saturday’s election, there is still roughly half a million votes to count, but it’s clear that the NDP will be forming the next government of British Columbia and that John Horgan will continue as Premier. I spoke with Premier Horgan yesterday and congratulated him on his successful election campaign.
“I want to again British Columbians for their engagement in our critically important democratic process and also to thank all of our BC Liberal candidates, volunteers and all of their families who put so much effort into this work all in pursuit of a better public good.
“Leading the BC Liberals has been a great honour, but now it’s time for me to make room for someone else to take over this role. I’ve asked the party president to work with the party executive to immediately determine the timeline for a leadership election process to determine my successor as leader of the BC Liberals and I will step down as leader as soon as the new leader is selected.
“I’ve already spoken with a number of members of our caucus about the outgoing caucus and the new caucus and I am looking forward to speaking with the new caucus as a group once the final count is determined on November 16 – we can determine who will actually be sitting in the Legislature.
“So today, we begin the challenging and exciting process of rebuilding the party and we do so with a very strong base of elected members in the Legislature and a strong membership throughout British Columbia, people who are determined to make British Columbia a better place for everyone.”
PREMIER John Horgan in a statement said: “I want to thank Andrew Wilkinson for his service and dedication to the people of British Columbia in his role as Opposition leader. 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.
“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.”
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