Jagmeet Singh Resigns as NDP Leader After Losing His Seat in 2025 Election
In a dramatic turn of events following Canada’s 2025 federal election, Jagmeet Singh announced his resignation as leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) after losing his seat in British Columbia. Singh’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Canadian politics, with his leadership shaping much of the party’s progressive agenda over the past several years.
A Stinging Defeat
Jagmeet Singh had led the NDP since 2017, making history as the first person of a visible minority background to lead a major federal political party in Canada. While he was known for his charisma and commitment to social justice, Singh struggled to convert popularity into seats, especially in key battlegrounds like British Columbia. The 2025 election proved particularly difficult for the NDP, with Singh losing his own riding, an outcome that left his position untenable.
In a concession speech delivered on election night, Singh thanked his supporters, volunteers, and family, but acknowledged that the results called for new leadership. “The people have spoken,” he said. “Though it’s not the result we hoped for, I remain proud of the movement we’ve built and the voices we’ve amplified.”
An Emotional Farewell
The resignation, though expected after the loss, came with an emotional tone. Singh reflected on his journey, the challenges of leading a party through multiple federal campaigns, and the policy priorities he championed, such as affordable housing, Indigenous rights, climate action, and universal pharmacare.
“My hope is that whoever takes the reins will carry forward our fight for a fairer, more compassionate Canada,” Singh told supporters. “Leadership is about service, and I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to serve this movement.”
Singh’s exit also triggered mixed reactions within the party. While many praised his resilience and principles, others pointed to the need for a more electorally effective strategy going forward. Internal questions now loom over what direction the NDP should take and who might rise to replace Singh.
The Election Fallout
The 2025 federal election saw the Liberal Party under Mark Carney securing a rare fourth term in government, while the Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre gained in overall seat count but failed to form a majority. The NDP was squeezed on both sides, with progressives voting strategically for the Liberals and populist sentiments pulling working-class voters toward the Conservatives.
British Columbia, once a stronghold for Singh and the NDP, shifted in this election. Singh’s loss in his own riding was symbolic of a broader decline in NDP support across the province, raising urgent questions about the party’s appeal to urban and suburban voters.
What’s Next for the NDP?
With Singh’s resignation, the NDP faces a leadership vacuum at a critical time. The party must now undertake a leadership contest to choose a new face—someone who can both unify the base and expand its appeal. Potential successors have yet to formally declare their intentions, but names of prominent MPs and rising stars are already circulating.
The transition also comes at a time when progressive politics globally is at a crossroads, and the Canadian left must navigate a challenging landscape of economic uncertainty, rising populism, and climate urgency.
Singh’s Legacy
Though he steps down without achieving a major electoral breakthrough, Singh leaves behind a legacy of principle-driven leadership. He made the NDP more visible among young, diverse Canadians and was often lauded for his communication skills and calm demeanor in heated political environments.
He is also remembered for pushing the Liberal government on key issues during minority parliaments, securing concessions on pandemic relief and cost-of-living measures that benefited working Canadians.
Singh has not disclosed his future plans but has stated he intends to remain active in advocating for social justice and equity, both within and beyond politics.