David Eby Absent as B.C. NDP Selects Jennifer Whiteside as Interim Leader

Former B.C. NDP leader David Eby was absent from a key caucus meeting held Thursday, during which Jennifer Whiteside was unanimously elected as the party’s new interim leader.

Whiteside confirmed that Eby did not attend the meeting in person or join virtually.

According to reports, Eby apologized and took full responsibility for the party’s election defeat during a final online meeting with outgoing MLAs on Wednesday. However, he reportedly added that he would have made the same decision under the circumstances, prompting frustration among several MLAs.

The following day, Eby was absent when the remaining caucus members met to select a new interim leader. The members unanimously backed Whiteside for the position.

Whiteside previously served in several key cabinet portfolios in the B.C. government, including education, labour and mental health.