Andrew Weaver stepping down as BC Green Party leader

After what he said was a “great deal of thought,” BC Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver announced today that he will not run for re-election as MLA in the next scheduled provincial election in 2021.

“I am announcing today that I will not be seeking another term as MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head,” Weaver said. “I am making this announcement now so that the party has enough time to start the process of electing a new leader in preparation for the next provincial election.

As part of the process, Weaver said he has requested the party’s provincial council begin preparations for a leadership contest to select a new leader. He will remain on as leader until a new one is chosen.

““The decision not to run for re-election has not been easy for me,” he said on Monday. “I feel a deep responsibility and pride for the role the BC Greens have played in getting the province back on track to meet its climate commitments and to reframe climate change as an economic opportunity – instead of a purely environmental catastrophe.”

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Last month, Weaver was diagnosed with labyrinthitis – an inner ear infection.

If anyone out there ever suffers a bout of labyrinthitis, I advise you prepare for a debilitating onslaught of symptoms that are quite unsettling. But be assured that with rest, doctors expect a complete return to full fighting form in a timely fashion. 3/3

— Andrew Weaver (@AJWVictoriaBC) September 16, 2019

During his announcement though, Waver stressed that his health was not the sole factor in his decision to resign.

“No, it was not a factor,” he said. “Obviously, an event like this takes sombre reflection over many months – I had made the decision towards the end of the summer.”

Weaver said the labyrinthitis “reaffirmed” his decision he had made, but “was certainly not the cause of the decision.”

As for plans post-politics, Weaver didn’t say too much, other than there are “may opportunities out there.”

MORE TO COME…