Andrew Weaver steps back into B.C. politics to run for CentreBC

Andrew Weaver, who spent six years on the sidelines of B.C. politics, is running as a CentreBC candidate in the Oak Bay-Gordon Head riding on Vancouver Island. Weaver made the decision Wednesday, stepping back in after his wife's campaign for a Saanich council seat drew him into the political moment.

Weaver's campaign has no manager, financial agent, lawn signs or money, but he said the chaos within the Conservative Party prompted his move. Seven MLAs who had joined the breakaway CentreBC party returned to the Conservatives after Premier Eby announced the snap election Tuesday. "I made the decision after I found out the people who came from the B.C. Conservatives to CentreBC went back," Weaver said.

Weaver described the political situation as chaotic and said the departures left a bitter taste. "It left a taste that once again we're seeing politicians put their interests, their desire for power and election ahead of their principles and integrity and ethical values," he said.

CentreBC is now led by Elenore Sturko, the Surrey-Cloverdale MLA and the lone incumbent running under the party banner. Peter Milobar, who briefly led CentreBC, returned to the Conservatives. Lorne Doerkson became interim Conservative leader after Kerry-Lynne Findlay's resignation Sunday.

Weaver joined CentreBC last December after leading the B.C. Green Party into the 2017 election, when it won three seats and held the balance of power. A subsequent agreement with the NDP made John Horgan premier. "I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with John Horgan. I thought he was one of British Columbia's most effective premiers, certainly in my lifetime. I've watched the trust that was built from that time begin to unravel," Weaver said.