---
title: "Jennifer Whiteside named BC NDP interim leader after David Eby's resignation"
description: "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."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/news/jennifer-whiteside-named-bc-ndp-interim-leader-2026"
last_updated: "2026-10-30T21:37:57.063Z"
---

Jennifer Whiteside, the MLA for [New Westminster-Coquitlam](/bc/provincial-2026/races/mla/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](/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/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](/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/mike-farnworth), the MLA for Port Coquitlam and former Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, was named House Leader, according to Daily Hive. [Niki Sharma](/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/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](/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/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](/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/jennifer-whiteside) and the full [BC NDP party page](/bc/provincial-2026/parties/bc-ndp) at voche.me.

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/bc/provincial-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.