Jennifer Whiteside named BC NDP interim leader

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside speaks during a news conference about improving access to mental-health and addiction care for people in the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver, on Friday, May 31, 2024. (Photo Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns ETHAN CAIRNS)

Oct 30, 2026 | 10:10 AM Simone Joseph

Jennifer Whiteside has been named the BC NDP’s interim leader, following the unanimous recommendation of the caucus on Thursday (Oct. 29).

“I’m pleased and humbled to have the support of our party and of my colleagues to serve as interim leader,” said Whiteside.

“Our incredible team of MLAs is ready to get to work every day on behalf of British Columbians.”

Whiteside said the BC NDP is committed to reconnecting with British Columbians with a focus on putting people first.

“British Columbians sent us an important message, and we need to take the time to listen and learn from that,” she said.

“People have asked that we sit as the Official Opposition and we will take on that work with determination and thoughtfulness.”

The BC NDP caucus also chose Mike Farnworth as House Leader and Niki Sharma as Caucus Chair.

Whiteside was first elected in 2020, and has served as Minister of Labour, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Minister of Education.

Before entering politics, she spent more than two decades advocating for working people, including as leader of the Health Employees Union.