Andrew Wilkinson stepping down as BC Liberal leader

BC Liberals Leader Andrew Wilkinson (Facebook)

The leader of British Columbia’s Liberal party announced that he will be immediately stepping down to make way for a new party leader.

Following his party’s loss to the NDP in October, Andrew Wilkinson initially said he would be leaving the position once a new leader was selected.

However, in a Facebook post on Saturday, Wilkinson announced that he would be stepping down immediately.

“Being the Leader of the Official Opposition is a challenging job but also one that is extremely rewarding. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend the last few years as the leader of the BC Liberal Party,” Wilkinson wrote on social media.

“It is now time for me to leave the role of Opposition Leader, as the voters of British Columbia have made their preference clear. In doing so, I welcome the selection of an interim leader from our caucus.”

The October 24 election resulted in the first NDP majority government in BC in more than 20 years, and the first time the party has won the popular vote since 1991.

In announcing his departure, Wilkinson urged the Liberal party and its new interim leader to engage with Indigenous communities, protect LGTBQ2S rights, and make quality healthcare and efficient transportation a priority.

British Columbia is an exciting place, full of dynamic people and so many opportunities. Taking on a leadership position…

Posted by Andrew Wilkinson on Saturday, November 21, 2020

Wilkinson has been the leader of the BC Liberals since February 2018. He has previously served as the Attorney General of British Columbia and the province’s Minister of Advanced Education.