The B.C. Conservatives won a majority in the Oct. 24 provincial election, ending nine years of New Democratic Party government, as David Eby accepted defeat and said he would resign as NDP leader, while Lorne Doerkson was set to become premier.
Elections BC’s preliminary count shows the Conservatives leading in 63 of the legislature’s 93 districts, the NDP in 28 and the Greens in two. The results are still unofficial, and final counting is planned for Nov. 6 to 10. Eby called the early election on Sept. 22, more than two years ahead of schedule.
His government had struggled to govern with a one-seat majority. He argued that a fresh mandate was needed to address U.S. trade threats. The election call led to a sharp change in the Conservatives’ fortunes.
The party had lost legislators and faced internal problems. Doerkson took over as interim Conservative leader just days before the election was called. During the campaign and on election night, he promised to reduce rules and paperwork, avoid new taxes and increase natural-gas production.
He pledged to double production by 2032 and produce more than three times as much by 2035. Eby won his own seat and congratulated Doerkson. He accepted responsibility for the loss and said it was time for new leadership in his party.
According to Reuters, the Conservatives’ win was their first victory in a B.C. provincial election since 1928. Doerkson is set to lead the incoming government.