Former minister Brenda Bailey says Eby did not come across as authentic during B.C. campaign

Brenda Bailey, who served as finance and jobs minister under David Eby, has said Eby did not come across as authentic during the B.C. NDP's election campaign, according to The Globe and Mail.

The Oct. 24 vote ended nine years of NDP government in British Columbia. Eby had led the party since 2022. The NDP's seat count fell from 47 to 27. The B.C. Conservatives won 64 seats, enough for a two-thirds majority in the legislature. Eby stepped down as NDP leader on election night.

Bailey called the defeat a harsh judgment on Eby's leadership and on his decision to call the snap election, meaning an early vote held before the scheduled date. Eby announced that election on Sept. 22 outside Government House. He cited the threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump as the reason for the vote. Bailey said that announcement was perhaps the weakest press conference she had ever seen him give.

Bailey also spoke about Lorne Doerkson, who was named interim leader of the Conservatives. She described him as a deeply authentic and very likable man. She called his appointment as interim leader, a role held until a permanent leader is chosen, a brilliant move.

Bailey did not seek re-election in the Vancouver-South Granville riding. She said she had successfully undergone cancer treatment. She is taking a break from politics to move into the private sector.