P.E.I. Green leader Peter Bevan-Baker stepping down after seat decline in election

The politician who guided Prince Edward Island's Green Party to over four years as the province's official opposition is stepping down as leader.

The politician who guided Prince Edward Island's Green Party to four years as the province's official Opposition -- the best result for a Green party in Canada -- is stepping down as leader.

Peter Bevan-Baker told party members gathered at the annual general meeting in North Rustico, P.E.I., on Saturday that he will continue as a member of the legislature for New Haven-Rocky Point, and will remain as leader until his replacement is chosen.

But he said the time has come for a new person to take the reins of the party

"This is not the Peter Bevan-Baker party. This is the Green Party. For a party to succeed long-term, it has to be more than one person," he said during his resignation speech to delegates.

Bevan-Baker won his riding in the April 3 provincial election, but his party fell from eight to two seats and lost its official Opposition status to the Liberals as the Progressive Conservatives swept to a convincing majority.

The 61-year-old dentist drew national attention in 2019 when his party formed the Opposition and achieved the best result in history by a slate of Green Party candidates.

While the party lost some of its highest profile legislature members in the election, it managed to win almost 22 per cent of the popular vote compared to the Liberals 17.2 per cent.