Former British Columbia premier Gordon Campbell officially ended his career in provincial politics this morning after announcing he’s quitting as an MLA.

Campbell was replaced as premier Monday by new Liberal Leader Christy Clark, who also named a slimmed-down, drastically different cabinet.

Today, Campbell thanked the people of his Vancouver-Point Grey constituency, which he has represented since he won it in a byelection in 1993.

“It has been an honour to serve the people of British Columbia as an MLA, as the leader of the Opposition and as premier,” Campbell said in a news release.

His departure ends more than three decades in politics, including three terms as mayor of Vancouver.

“There are few things more rewarding than serving in public life and I feel fortunate to have had such an opportunity to do so,” he said.

The move leaves a safe Liberal constituency vacant for Clark to run in a byelection.

Clark currently can’t sit in the legislature because she doesn’t have a seat and she has said she’d be open to running in Campbell’s riding.

Campbell announced he’d leave as premier last fall after public anger over the way his government handled introduction of the HST.

Clark was elected Liberal leader at a convention last month.

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