David Eby has mixed feelings about NDP leadership outcome

After an unusual outcome to the race after Anjali Appadurai’s disqualification, David Eby says he has mixed feelings about becoming the NDP leader in this way — and he’s not the only one.

“I think there are a bunch of people out there who are NDP members, who are really sad about how this leadership campaign ends, and that is concerning to me,” he said. “It’s mixed feelings for me for sure, but I really am excited about getting to work.”

Some experts say the turmoil has created a “challenging situation” for Eby’s run.

“It’s disheartening to see the NDP subvert the democratic process within their leadership contest by terminating the candidacy of the only real challenger to the heir-apparent, David Eby, and slam the door on the thousands of British Columbians who joined the NDP to support Anjali Appadurai,” said BC Liberal MLA Elenore Sturko.

This comes after the party’s executive announced late Wednesday that it “voted to support the Chief Electoral Officer’s recommendation to disqualify” Anjali Appadurai “as a sanction for violating the rules.”

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• BC NDP under fire for disqualification of Anjali Appadurai

• David Eby to be declared BC NDP leader Friday

The BC NDP is set to announce on Friday that David Eby will be the party’s next leader.

As he is now running unopposed, this means he will be the next premier of B.C. as well.

Eby says although Appadurai was successfull in getting people involved with the party, he’s concerned about how current party members may be feeling.

“I want the conversation to continue, and I’m grateful for her efforts around raising these issues and getting people energized about being involved in government. Governance is an incredibly important way to deliver for people what they’re looking for,” he said.

In regard to the new supporters that Appadurai brought to the party, Eby is urging people to stay involved.

“It’s also concerning to me that a bunch of people who might have signed up to support on Anjali may feel that they don’t have a place in our party, but it couldn’t be less true,” he said.

He added, “I want those folks that honestly engage to stay involved in the party. I want the conversation to continue.”

Eby also notes that he is grateful for Appadurai’s efforts in raising issues that affect people in B.C., saying that climate action is also an important area that he is dedicated to.

“I know British Columbians want to see action on climate, and I’m committed to that too,” he said. “I want to let them know that as we stand here in the haze in Vancouver, at the extended drought, that these issues do not go away.”

There is no firm date on when Eby will take over as premier, but he’s set to take on the BC Liberals and their leader, Kevin Falcon, in the next provincial election, slated for 2024.