Andrew Wilkinson resigning as B.C. Liberal leader after worst party showing in decades

Andrew Wilkinson has resigned as leader of the B.C. Liberal Party, two days after theparty had its worst provincial election outcome in decades.

Wilkinson announcedhis resignation in a very brief address to the media on Monday. He said he has asked the party's president to begin the work to find his successor and that he will step down when his replacement is found.

"Leading the B.C. Liberalshas been a great honour, but now it's time for me to make room for someone else to take over this role," he said.

Wilkinson took no questions from reporters.

Saturday night's election results saw John Horgan's B.C. NDPcapture a majority of seats, a disastrous outcome for the Liberals that led to the possibility thatWilkinson, who was elected leader in 2018, would lose leadership of his party.

The Liberals face a projected loss of 12 seats in the legislature after voting day. As many as 525,000 mail-in ballots will be counted in the next two weeks.

Andrew Wilkinson resigns as leader of the B.C. Liberal party

4 years ago

Duration 1:40

The announcement comes after a disastrous outcome for the B.C. Liberals in Saturday's provincial election.

The B.C. NDPis projected to take 55of B.C.'s 87 ridings,compared to 29for the Liberals and threefor the Green Party.

It will be the first majoritygovernment for the NDP in British Columbia since 1996, and while the B.C. Liberals will stand as the Official Opposition, it will be with the lowest seat count the party has had since 1991.

Wilkinson, 63, served in several cabinet positions when in government, including minister of justice and advanced education.

Reactionto results

Wilkinson addressed constituents and the media Saturday night. He acknowledged the NDP were "clearly ahead" based on preliminary results, but did not concede, saying the race wasn't over untilthe mail-in ballot count.

"We'll have more to say going forward but for now we all have a responsibility to be patient, to respect the democraticprocess and to await the final results," he said before leaving the stageat his campaign headquarters.

But Wilkinson appeared to concede on Sunday evening, saying he phoned Horgan around 5 p.m. PT to offer his congratulations.

"The people of B.C. have spoken," Wilkinsonwrote in a tweet.

Horgan thanked Wilkinson for his dedication to the people of B.C., acknowledgingthe challenge he faced serving as Opposition leader.

"I've done that job, and I've often said it is the toughest job in politics," Horgan said in a statement. "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."

Wilkinson seemedto have trouble connecting with voters during the campaign.

He made comments aboutrenting beinga "wacky time of life" and described domestic violence victims as "people who are in a tough marriage".

Wilkinson also did notimmediately face the press after sexist comments were made by candidate Jane Thornthwaiteduring a video conversation he was a part of.

Who's next?

Dianne Watts, former Surrey mayor and runner-up in the last B.C. Liberal leadership race, told CBCon Monday she felt Wilkinson's wait time before addressing the sexist comments likely did not sit well with voters.

When asked if she was up for the task of replacing Wilkinson should the party look for a new leader, Watts laughed.

"Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt," she said.

Longtime Liberal and Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond's name has been floated as a possible replacement.

She told CBC'sDaybreak North onMonday it's a role she is not considering.

"It's not something I've ever aspired to," she said.

Bond said she's focused on serving her constituents and is looking forward to being part of a Liberal party that will need to explore what it will take to resonate further with British Columbians.

"My job is to be part of this team as it asks some really hard questions about did we do, what do we need to do and how do we begin to re-engage with British Columbians in every corner of this province," Bond said.