Politics in BC is not easy. While the Harcourt government was busy with its policy agenda the NDP provincial organization became embroiled in a scandal. Known as Bingogate, an NDP-oriented charity, the Nanaimo Commonwealth Holding Society, was accused of misusing funds. Harcourt, who was not in any way involved with the decades-old issue, ordered a forensic audit. NDP popularity began to slide, and the likelihood that the Harcourt government could be re-elected looked grim. So, Mike Harcourt made the tough decision to step down, saying at the time that he would ‘take one for the party’ and give a new leader a chance to rebuild popularity.
Harcourt resigns
