B.C. Green Party leader Jane Sterk is quitting politics.
Sterk led the party to the breakthrough election of its first B.C. MLA – high profile climate scientist Dr. Andrew Weaver – in the Victoria constituency of Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
But Weaver’s win came thanks to a concentrated campaign – Greens running elsewhere in B.C. didn’t come close to victory in the May provincial election. The party got 146,000 votes or 8.1 per cent of the popular vote.
Sterk announced her decision Tuesday on Twitter, saying she will resign Aug. 24 at the B.C. Green Party annual general meeting.
“Had a good run, at best b4 date, want new adventures,” Sterk tweeted.
It’s not yet clear if Weaver will seek the party’s leadership, but Sterk told CKNW she hopes he puts his name forward in the coming leadership race.
Sterk, 66, was an Esquimalt councillor before becoming B.C. Green Party leader in 2007, replacing Adriane Carr.
She fell short of winning a Green seat in the 2005, 2009 and 2013 provincial elections and the federal election of 2004.
Sterk ran this spring against Carole James in the former NDP leader’s Victoria-Beacon Hill riding.
B.C. NDP leader Adrian Dix paid tribute to Sterk’s contribution and wished her well.
“Our politics is healthier when more British Columbians see their voice reflected in our public debate,” Dix said. “Jane’s contribution attracted many who might otherwise have forsaken party politics.”
– Jeff Nagel
Retiring politics, resigning as @BCGreens leader Aug 24 at AGM. Had a good run, at best b4 date, want new adventures #BCPOLI #CDNpoli #gpbc
— Jane Sterk (@janesterk) August 13, 2013
