BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson has stepped down.

Wilkinson made the announcement at a press conference on Monday afternoon, two days after the end of the provincial election.

“After Saturday’s election, there are still roughly half a million votes to count,” said Wilkinson. “But it’s clear that the NDP will be forming the next government of British Columbia and that John Horgan will continue as Premier.”

Wilkinson said that he spoke with Horgan yesterday to congratulate him on a “successful election campaign.”

The New Democratic Party’s decision to call a snap election seems to have played out very much in their favour, stealing a dozen seats from the Liberals to hold a majority government.

Locally, it is almost a certainty that the Liberal party was successful: incumbent Jackie Tegart holds the lead in Fraser-Nicola with some mail-in ballots still to be counted.

Wilkinson, who has led the Liberals since February of 2018, said that it had been a great honour.

“It is now time for me to make room for someone else to take this role.”

The timeline for a new leadership selection process has not been announced. Wilkinson will step down once the new leader is selected.

“Today, we begin the challenging and exciting process of rebuilding the party.”

Premier Horgan released his own statement on Wilkinson’s resignation through the NDP’s channels.

“I want to thank Andrew Wilkinson for his service and dedication to the people of British Columbia in his role as Opposition leader. I’ve done that job, and I’ve often said it is the toughest job in politics. Mr. Wilkinson led the official opposition through a very challenging time for our province. He ran a spirited campaign and I wish him the best in the future.

“Mr. Wilkinson has made our province and our civic life stronger by offering his ideas and his vision for our province. We are all better for his contributions. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all candidates from all parties who put their names forward in the election. Our democracy requires brave people to put their hands up, no matter the result.”