B.C. NDP Leader Adrian Dix has announced he’ll resign from his post as soon as the party can hold a leadership vote to choose his replacement.
Dix told a Wednesday press conference he takes full responsibility for the NDP’s disappointing showing in the May election, which numerous polls pegged as his to lose.
The Opposition Leader said he’s spent months reflecting on what’s in New Democrats’ best interests, and ultimately decided the party needs a fresh start.
“I’ve tried to put the long-term success of the B.C. NDP and British Columbia ahead of any personal ambitions,” Dix said.
“As a party, we have to move forward.”
Dix said he hopes to hold a leadership vote by mid-2014, after which he plans to help the next leader transition into her or his new role.
He will continue to represent the Vancouver-Kingsway riding as an MLA into the next election in 2017.
Dix has largely kept a low profile since May’s defeat, while party loyalists debated his future in the party.
Some critics blamed the election loss on Dix’s refusal to run negative ads against the BC Liberals, which targeted him repeatedly on TV and YouTube.
Others said the party’s internal polling deserved much of the blame for failing to accurately gauge support.
