Jennifer Whiteside named interim leader of B.C. NDP after election defeat

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 30, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC News

The British Columbia New Democratic Party has chosen former cabinet minister Jennifer Whiteside as its interim leader following the party’s defeat in the October 24 provincial election.

Whiteside received unanimous support from the incoming NDP caucus during a meeting in Victoria on Thursday, October 29. She takes over the party leadership from David Eby, who announced his resignation on election night after the Conservatives secured a majority government.

Whiteside currently represents New Westminster-Coquitlam and previously served as B.C.’s minister of education and minister of mental health and addictions. She most recently held the labour portfolio in Eby’s cabinet.

She described her appointment as both a privilege and a responsibility, acknowledging that voters had delivered a clear message by moving the NDP to the opposition benches.

As part of the party’s new leadership arrangement, veteran MLA Mike Farnworth will serve as House Leader, while Niki Sharma will take on the role of caucus chair.

The leadership transition comes as the NDP begins assessing its election loss and preparing for its new role in the legislature. The party entered the campaign with 47 seats but was reduced to 28 in the preliminary results, while the Conservatives secured 63 seats.

Whiteside’s appointment is temporary, with the party expected to organize a leadership contest to select a permanent successor to Eby.

The new interim leader will be responsible for guiding the NDP through its transition into opposition and preparing the caucus for the next legislative session.