B.C. NDP caucus taps Jennifer Whiteside to be new interim leader
Following a significant defeat in the recent provincial election, the B.C. NDP caucus has appointed Jennifer Whiteside as their new interim leader. The party will now transition into the role of Official Opposition against the newly elected B.C. Conservative government.
Why it matters
This leadership change marks a major shift in the political landscape of British Columbia following a snap election.
The caucus recommended Whiteside after David Eby resigned as party leader when his snap election call resulted in a resounding defeat of the NDP at the polls.
Eby's majority government fell from 47 seats in the legislature to 28, according to the initial count.
At a caucus meeting Thursday, Mike Farnworth was named house leader and Niki Sharma was named caucus chair.
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Whiteside said it was a unanimous recommendation.
The B.C. NDP's constitution requires its provincial council to vote on the interim leader after considering the recommendations of the caucus.
Eby wasn't at the in-person caucus meeting, nor was he present virtually, Whiteside said.
Whiteside said she was humbled by the caucus's recommendation.
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