Vaughn Palmer: NDP will quietly lick their wounds for a few months before a throne speech and full legislative session next year

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VICTORIA — Premier David Eby started the day with a summary of what the electorate did to the NDP government, even as it prepares to enter its third term of office.

“Our wings were clipped,” Eby told Simi Sara on CKNW radio Tuesday.

Five cabinet ministers and 10 backbenchers defeated. Majority reduced to one. Much more clipping and the bird couldn’t fly.

Eby said last week that the New Democrats would “hit the ground running” this fall. Now he’s more realistic.

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The New Democrats intend to wait out the judicial recounts, particularly in Surrey-Guildford, where two-term MLA Garry Begg clings to a modest lead.

Once that is sorted out — and judicial recounts rarely reverse results certified by Elections B.C. — Eby will then appoint a cabinet.

It will be a major makeover. In addition to the five ministers who were defeated, another seven retired. Vacancies include Finance, Education, Forests, Transportation, Environment, and Indigenous Relations.

Once a new team is in place, Eby intends to recall the legislature. He misspoke on CKNW, pledging a “session of the legislature to get things moving,” implying a fall session with legislation and throne speech.

By the time the premier met........

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