B.C. NDP Leader Adrian Dix plans to step down after leadership vote

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      Adrian Dix has announced he will step aside as leader of the B.C. NDP.

      At a news conference in downtown Vancouver, Dix told reporters that he plans to stay on until a leadership vote is held.

      “It’s been a great privilege for me to lead the B.C. NDP, for which I will always remain grateful," he said.

      "It’s been a great privilege to work with a caucus of extraordinary MLAs, whose commitment and passion is on display every day. We worked together as an extremely effective team in the run-up to the election; that we fell short on election day is my responsibility as leader."

      Dix noted that while the decision on timing of a leadership contest will ultimately be made by his party, he hopes a vote will be held by mid-2014 at the latest.

      He added that whoever is chosen as the next leader of the party will have his “complete support" and "relentless effort” in preparation for the next provincial election in 2017.

      “We must take on a Liberal government that seems to reduce everything to its partisan advantage, and in doing so we must not leave any stone unturned,” he stated.

      The B.C. Liberals swept to a surprise majority win in the May 2013 B.C. election—results that Dix described as a "very disappointing defeat" for the NDP.

      “I think as a party, we have to move forward,” he said. “We have to learn the lessons of that…learn the lessons, but not fixate on it. Because we have work to do, holding the Liberal party to account first of all, and getting our own house in order and preparing for a coming election."

      Dix, who met with his caucus earlier today, is scheduled to address his constituents in Vancouver-Kingsway this evening. 

      The MLA has been the leader of the B.C. NDP since the party's leadership race in April 2011.

      Comments

      6 Comments

      Billminer

      Sep 18, 2013 at 5:14pm

      U respect the guy for this. At least he didn't hang around like the last leader for a few elections. It takes a lot of guts to put the part first instead of himself. Most people can't do that. Power thing.

      SPY vs SPY

      Sep 18, 2013 at 5:38pm

      I have just been contacted by Jan O'Brien and asked to run.

      As fast as I freakin can, cause after all I have posted there are some really, really pissed-off NDP Insiders who may now loose there coveted positions.

      I do respect Dix as a person and salute him for the decision he has just made. It is not easy to eat crow.

      Adrian may you and your family prosper and I am damn sure you will do all you can to help build the NDP into a powerful force by the time the next election comes.

      Now scream out with all the LUNG POWER you can muster at every wrong turn and decision the BC(not really Liberals)
      Liberal make.

      Bill

      Sep 18, 2013 at 7:30pm

      Good choice. The Corrigan tornado is a coming to town....

      Ego driven

      Sep 19, 2013 at 9:15am

      No doubt it likely took pressure to get Dix to go, but wait a
      Moment he still is going to be around for another
      Year, what for? Mr Dix should left for good and an interim leader appointed
      But power is a hard one to quit specially when the ego
      Can't do without.

      cathy

      Sep 19, 2013 at 10:56am

      He's stepping down and staying on at the same time?
      I call that Dixzzy.

      Alan Layton

      Sep 19, 2013 at 11:55am

      If had taken his own advice to 'leave no stone unturned' then he might be premier right now and leader of his party.