B.C. Liberals name Shirley Bond interim leader

Longtime legislature member Shirley Bond will serve as the B.C. Liberal party's interim leader after Andrew Wilkinson's resignation on Saturday.

Bond has been a member of the legislature since 2001, representing Prince George-Valemount, and served in cabinet, including as justice minister and deputy premier in the province's previous Liberal government.

Our BC Liberal Caucus is excited to announce MLA @ShirleyBond as the Interim Leader of the Official Opposition. Together, we are looking forward to working on behalf of British Columbians across the province to ensure their voices are heard in Victoria. #BCpoli pic.twitter.com/A8cE09UoW2

— BC Liberal Caucus (@BCLiberalCaucus) November 23, 2020

Bond says in a statement that she is looking forward to holding the NDP government accountable over the coming months.

BC Premier John Horgan congratulated Bond on his new post within the party in a Twitter post. 

Congratulations @shirleybond on becoming interim leader of the BC Liberals. As an MLA since 2001, she has an incredible amount of experience. Looking forward to working with her in her role as leader of the opposition to support British Columbians through the pandemic and beyond.

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) November 23, 2020

The NDP won 57 seats in last month's provincial election to form a majority government.

The Liberals won 28 seats and the Greens two.

Wilkinson had previously said he would step down after a replacement was selected, but announced Saturday that it was time for him to leave the role after close to three years.