Jennifer Whiteside named BC NDP interim leader after David Eby's resignation
The New Westminster-Coquitlam MLA and former cabinet minister was chosen by unanimous caucus recommendation on October 29, 2026, to lead the party until it selects a permanent leader in 2027.
Reported. A news outlet found this. voche.me names the outlet and links its report. Read the original report on dailyhive.com.
Jennifer Whiteside, the MLA for New Westminster-Coquitlam, was named BC NDP interim leader on October 29, 2026, following the unanimous recommendation of the party's caucus. Daily Hive reported the selection that day.
Whiteside replaces David Eby, the MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey, who announced his resignation on election night, October 24. The BC NDP was reduced to 28 seats in the election. The Conservative Party of BC won 63 seats and the BC Greens won 2, according to Elections BC's initial count.
"I'm pleased and humbled to have the support of our party and of my colleagues to serve as interim leader," Whiteside said, according to Daily Hive. "Our incredible team of MLAs is ready to get to work every day on behalf of British Columbians."
Whiteside is a re-elected MLA who held three portfolios in the NDP cabinet: Education and Child Care under Premier Horgan, Mental Health and Addictions, and Labour from November 2024 through the election.
Two new caucus roles named
Mike Farnworth, the MLA for Port Coquitlam and former Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, was named House Leader, according to Daily Hive. Niki Sharma, the MLA for Vancouver-Hastings and former Attorney General, was named Caucus Chair.
The party will hold a permanent leadership race. Whiteside is expected to serve in the interim role until a new leader is chosen in 2027, Daily Hive reported.
The NDP's position in the legislature
The BC NDP now holds 28 seats in the 93-seat legislature, placing the party in official opposition. The Conservative Party of BC, led by premier-designate Lorne Doerkson, holds 63 seats.
The legislature has not yet sat for the new term. The date of the first sitting has not been announced.
BC residents can follow Jennifer Whiteside's record and statements and the full BC NDP party page at voche.me.
Questions this story answers
Who is Jennifer Whiteside?
Jennifer Whiteside is the re-elected MLA for New Westminster-Coquitlam. She served three cabinet portfolios under the NDP government: Minister of Education and Child Care under Premier Horgan, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Minister of Labour from November 2024 through the election under Premier Eby.
Why did David Eby resign as NDP leader?
David Eby announced his resignation on election night, October 24, 2026, after the BC NDP was reduced to 28 seats, down from 47 in the previous legislature. The Conservative Party of BC won 63 seats. Eby held the riding of Vancouver-Point Grey.
How was Jennifer Whiteside chosen as interim leader?
Daily Hive reported that the NDP caucus chose Whiteside by unanimous recommendation on October 29, 2026. The caucus comprises the 28 NDP MLAs elected on October 24. The party's caucus makes the interim leader selection rather than the broader membership.
How long will Whiteside serve as interim leader?
Daily Hive reported that Whiteside is expected to serve until the party selects a permanent leader, with the leadership race expected in 2027. The date and rules for the permanent leadership race have not yet been announced by the party.
Who was named BC NDP House Leader?
Mike Farnworth, the MLA for Port Coquitlam and former Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, was named House Leader, according to Daily Hive. The House Leader manages the party's business in the legislature and coordinates with the Speaker and other parties on scheduling.
Who was named BC NDP Caucus Chair?
Niki Sharma, the MLA for Vancouver-Hastings and former Attorney General, was named Caucus Chair, according to Daily Hive. The Caucus Chair manages the party's internal caucus meetings and communications between members.
How many seats does the BC NDP hold in the legislature?
The BC NDP holds 28 seats in the 93-seat legislature, after the October 24 election reduced its count from 47. The Conservative Party of BC holds 63 seats and forms the government. The BC Greens hold 2 seats. These figures are from Elections BC's initial count.
Where can I follow the BC NDP in opposition?
Jennifer Whiteside's page at voche.me will be updated as she makes statements and votes in the legislature. The BC NDP party page covers the caucus as a whole. Both are linked at the bottom of this article.
Sources
The pages this story draws on. Open one to check a claim yourself.
Found an error? Tell the editors with the corrections form. A correction is noted on the story it changes. Read our standards.
