BC NDP asked to form government with slim majority in 2024 election

In an unprecedented provincial election, the New Democratic Party (NDP) of British Columbia was invited to form the government on Monday, over a week after the polls closed.

Elections BC reported that NDP Leader David Eby led the party to secure 47 seats. Eby met with Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin on Monday to accept his role as premier-elect, with a press conference scheduled for Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Elections BC also noted that two ridings, Surrey-Guildford and Kelowna Centre, will undergo automatic judicial recounts due to margins of victory under 1/500th of the votes cast.

Eby expressed his gratitude, calling it an "incredible honour" for the NDP to be elected for a third term.

“People want their elected representatives to deliver results.

With renewed determination, we will build on our progress—reducing daily costs like car insurance and childcare, hiring health care workers, ensuring access to family doctors, delivering affordable housing, and creating an economy that serves everyone, not just the top earners,” he stated.

BC Conservatives Leader John Rustad acknowledged via social media that his party would not form the government, but noted their historic progress.

"Just 18 months ago, the Conservative Party of BC was at 2% in the polls, had no members, no money, no team,” he said. “With grit, determination, and a grassroots movement, we went from zero seats to 44, nearly forming government in just one year.”

Rustad accepted the election results, expressing appreciation for Elections BC's efforts. "While judicial recounts remain, it’s now clear we won’t form government in BC. I’m ready to lead BC’s Official Opposition,” he affirmed.

Election night on Oct. 19 had ended without a definitive result, with recounts required in close-race ridings. After a final count from Oct. 26 to 28, Elections BC announced the outcome Monday evening.