BC Prime Minister John Horgan will not seek re-election in the next provincial election.
The two-term NDP prime minister, who was recently treated for throat cancer, made the announcement on Tuesday, citing his health as one of the main reasons for his decision.
“My health is good, but my energy flags as the days go by,” Horgan, 62, told reporters gathered in Vancouver.
The announcement of the resignation comes four days after Horgan fueled speculation about his political future during a radio interview on CBC. Host Gregor Craigie had asked the prime minister if he would end his current term in office, to which Horgan only said he would have “more to say” this week.
It also comes months after the prime minister underwent cancer treatment for the second time in his life. He received dozens of “rigorous” radiation treatments for throat cancer and said the experience led him and his wife, Ellie Horgan, to reflect on the rest of their lives.
“My spouse and I felt it was time,” he said, referring to Ellie as “the love of my life.”
LISTENING The Prime Minister of British Columbia, John Horgan, spoke on Friday about his future in government
On the island 9:57 Prime Minister John Horgan on RBCM, inflation and its future in government
Gregor Craigie spoke with Prime Minister John Horgan about the decision not to go ahead with a new RBCM building, the cost of inflation and its future in politics.