‘A leader needs to know when it’s time to go’: Christy Clark on her resignation

Appearing before the media alongside her son Hamish, outgoing BC Liberals leader Christy Clark told reporters she was “done with public life.”

Clark announced on Friday she was stepping down from her role as leader and leaving her seat as MLA for Kelowna-West.

She said she decided to seek the leadership almost seven years ago because she wanted her son to see her in public life “trying to do good in the world.” But she said it is now time to focus on her son.

“I’m going to get Hamish to his homework because I’m going to have more time to do that. Grade 11 is a busy year. I’m going to maybe get some gardening done in the short-term.”

She said it was the best thing for the party and the province to resign now rather than later.

“I decided it was time for our party to renew,” said Clark.

WATCH: Who will take over the BC Liberal party?

0:21 Who will take over the BC Liberal party?

She said it will take some time for the Liberals to adjust to the role of opposition, but said her departure is good timing.

“A leader needs to know when it’s time to go. There is nothing worse than seeing politicians hanging on because they feel like they’re irreplaceable,” said Clark.

Clark was B.C.’s 35^th premier. Following the May election, the Liberals were one seat short in the legislature. The result was a minority government, with the Liberals holding 43 seats to the NDP’s 41 and Greens’ three.

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~With files from Matt Lee