The B.C. Green party's only representative in the legislature says he plans to focus on his work as an MLA rather than running for the leadership of the party when Jane Sterk steps down this month.

In a statement issued by the Green Party of B.C. today (August 14), Weaver said he has an “ambitious agenda” for his term as MLA.

“I consider it in the best interests of my constituents, the party and the province if, for now, I focus on my role as MLA and support a new interim leader who can concentrate on building the party,” he said.

Weaver said that building capacity, membership, riding associations and policy will be a full-time job for the party’s new leader. But he indicated that he may consider seeking leadership closer to the next provincial election.

“The next few years will see many challenges for the province, and possible opportunities for the party should byelections be held,” he said. “I recognize that in the lead up to the 2017 election, should I decide to seek reelection, and if I am the only sitting Green Party MLA then it would be natural to seek leadership of the party at that time.”

Weaver became the first Green candidate to be elected to the B.C. Legislature in the May 14 election.

Sterk, who has been the leader of the B.C. Greens since 2007, announced yesterday that she plans to resign at the party’s annual general meeting on August 24.

The new provincial council that will be elected at the AGM will appoint an interim leader and determine the date for a leadership convention.