British Columbia’s New Democratic Party (B.C. NDP) faces a leadership transition after its leader, David Eby, said he would leave the post, while preliminary election results put its candidates ahead in 28 districts.
The caucus had been scheduled to meet Thursday, Oct. 29, to discuss an interim leader, The Canadian Press and Castanet reporter Rob Shaw reported. The Canadian Press said members planned to meet at the legislature. Reports did not confirm whether the meeting took place or identify anyone chosen for the interim role.
In his election-night speech, Eby said he would leave the leadership post. He described the decision as one made with a “very heavy heart” and said it was time for “new leadership within our party.”
British Columbia’s election agency, Elections BC, completed its initial count Oct. 25. B.C. NDP candidates led in 28 electoral districts with 670,811 votes, or 37.37%. Conservative Party candidates were ahead in 63 districts with 862,688 votes, or 48.06%; the BC Green Party led in two districts with 196,896 votes, or 10.97%. Elections BC classifies the tally as preliminary.
The preliminary count puts the NDP ahead in 28 districts, compared with a 47-member caucus before the election, The Canadian Press and Shaw reported. EconoTimes previously covered the election-night district leads.
Black Press Media quoted a caucus spokesperson in an emailed statement saying the party would assess its campaign and decide later how and when to run a leadership contest.
British Columbia’s Ministry of Finance projected a C$13.8 billion deficit for fiscal 2026-27 in its September update, C$450 million above the February budget projection. The update cited C$614 million in additional fire-management costs and C$458 million in higher refundable tax credits among the factors behind increased expenses.
Geoff Meggs, former chief of staff to former Premier John Horgan, told The Canadian Press that the party faces a “reputational challenge.” Meggs said voters want public services protected while also expecting balanced spending, the outlet reported.
Elections BC scheduled the final count for Nov. 6-10. The province’s legislature expects certified results on Nov. 18.
