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Jane Sterk steps down as BC Greens' leader

Having reached her "best b4 date," Jane Sterk is retiring from politics and stepping down as the B.C. Green Party's leader. Sterk, who has captained the party since October 2007, revealed the news on Twitter this afternoon:

Sterk was not immediately available for an interview.

Under Sterk's leadership, the provincial Greens captured eight per cent of the vote in May's election, with climate scientist Andrew Weaver securing the party's first ever seat in his riding of Oak Bay-Gordon Head.

Sterk lost her own riding of Victoria-Beacon Hill to former NDP leader Carole James by roughly 3,500 votes.

According to the Canadian Press, Sterk had suggested she would likely step down if she lost. But the morning after May's election, the party's chair, executive director, and Weaver convinced her to stay on as leader, and she agreed. Today's announcement signifies a change of heart.

BC NDP leader Adrian Dix thanked Sterk in a statement today.

"Our politics is healthier when more British Columbians see their voice reflected in our public debate," he said. "Jane's contribution attracted many who might otherwise have forsaken party politics."

Robyn Smith reports for The Tyee.

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