B.C. NDP Leader David Eby resigns after election defeat

David Eby resigned as leader of the B.C. NDP party on Saturday night, less than two hours after votes started rolling in.

Eby, who retained his seat in Vancouver-Point Grey, addressed a subdued party headquarters in downtown Vancouver, confirming he had congratulated Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson after the Tories won a majority government.

Eby apologized to NDP MLAs who had not been re-elected.

“Some of the hardest-working MLAs I know for their communities were not elected tonight,” he said. “It breaks my heart, and I accept full responsibility for that outcome.”

Eby highlighted some of the projects that had been built or were started under the NDP government — including the new St. Paul’s Hospital, the Sen̓áḵw rental housing development, and the Broadway subway line — and said it had been “the honour of my life” to serve as premier.

Eby then said it was with a “heavy heart” that he would be offering his resignation as leader of the B.C. NDP.

“It is time for new leadership within our party,” he said.

Eby, standing on stage next to his wife, Cailey, said he looked forward to spending more time with his family.

“I love you,” Eby said to his wife. “Let’s go home.”

As of 10:30 p.m., the Conservatives had won or were leading in 64 ridings, compared to 27 for the NDP. The Greens appeared to have won two seats.

With files from Stephanie Ip

dcarrigg@postmedia.com