Andrew Weaver stepping down as B.C. Green Party leader

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – One of British Columbia’s most prominent politicians will not be running for re-election. Andrew Weaver is stepping down as leader of the province’s Green Party.

At a news conference on Monday, he said he has decided not to run for re-election as MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head in 2021. Weaver says he will continue as the party’s leader until a new one is found.

“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,” Weaver said.

#BREAKING: Leader Andrew Weaver has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2021 and has asked the party to prepare for a leadership contest. Watch Andrew’s announcement online: https://t.co/xtle9b7X7m #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/JINflbOSrN

— BC Green Party (@BCGreens) October 7, 2019

A successor will be chosen by the B.C. Green membership, and the process will begin after a meeting later this month. Weaver says the contest will likely culminate at the party’s 2020 convention in Nanaimo in June.

57-year-old Weaver is an internationally recognized climate scientist, has been an MLA since 2013 and B.C. Green Party leader since 2015. He reduced his work schedule as he recovered from labyrinthitis after he suddenly had symptoms typical of the condition last month.

Weaver has also been a University of Victoria professor for more than 20 years and has authored or co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed papers.

The province’s minority NDP government remains in power with the support of the Greens, but Weaver’s decision will not immediately affect the New Democrats’ hold on power because he will remain on the opposition benches of legislature.

The B.C. Liberals have 42 seats in the house, the NDP 41, the Greens three seats and there is one Independent, former Liberal Darryl Plecas, who serves as house Speaker.

With files from the Canadian Press