New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh has indicated he will resign from his leadership position after the party’s weak showing in the election. Singh did not get re-elected in the riding of Burnaby Central, finishing in third place. The riding, previously called Burnaby South, was affected by redistribution before the election. Singh’s defeat is a major blow to the party, which also lost the 12 seats required to officially retain its status in the House of Commons.
Emotional Election Night Speech of Jagmeet Singh
In his tearful election night address in Burnaby, B.C., Jagmeet Singh spoke about the realities of political life, accepting that sacrifices come with the devotion to politics. Struggling to hold back tears, he acknowledged his wife and supporters for their unrelenting commitment.
“Choosing to commit your life to politics obviously comes with some sacrifice, but we choose this life because of the chance to change the country you love for the better,” Singh said, his voice cracking. “We may lose sometimes, and those losses hurt.”
Jagmeet Singh has resigned as leader of the NDP. pic.twitter.com/aB3DqyfUmT
— Stephen Taylor (@stephen_taylor) April 29, 2025
Even in defeat, Singh was defiant, insisting that the struggle for a better Canada cannot stop.
“It’s tough, but we are only defeated if we stop fighting,” he added. “We’re only defeated when we believe those that tell us that we can never dream of a better Canada, a fairer Canada, a more compassionate Canada.”
It’s been the honour of my life to lead the NDP, and to represent the people of Burnaby Central.
Congratulations to Prime Minister Carney, and to all the other leaders on a hard-fought campaign.
I know this night is disappointing for New Democrats. 🧵
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) April 29, 2025
NDP Faces Setback, Loses Official Party Status
Apart from Singh’s loss, the NDP has also been unable to hold its position as an official party. The party required 12 seats in the election but lost. Singh was disappointed with the outcome, especially the defeat of good candidates who had campaigned for an extended period.
““I know this night is a disappointing night for New Democrats,” Singh said. “We had really good candidates that lost tonight.”
He also recognized the hard work of such candidates, stressing how difficult it was for them to not be able to represent their communities.
“I know how hard you worked,” Jagmeet Singh said. “I spent time with you. You’re amazing. I’m so sorry you’re not going to be able to represent your communities. I know you’re going to continue to fight for them.”
Struggles of Jagmeet Singh During the Campaign
During the campaign, Singh was constantly asked whether he could make inroads in a Liberal-Conservative dominated race. The election turned into a fight over who would be best suited to manage economic and sovereignty threats, especially those from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Even with skepticism over his party’s prospects, Singh said he had faith in the NDP internal numbers, which he thought were “much better” than countrywide polling. He was still confident the party would end up with a respectable number of MPs.
We’re only defeated if we quit fighting,” Singh said again during his last campaign speech, urging volunteers to keep on fighting even if the NDP didn’t gain a majority. “Even when we don’t win a majority, we get things done, like dental care,” he told them. “But we’ve got to remind people, it’s all because of you. Because you vote NDP, we’re able to fight for you.
A Brief Glimpse of Singh’s Political Career
Singh, who was made NDP leader in 2017, had led the party from outside the House of Commons until 2019, when he won the Burnaby South byelection. Singh was a member of the Ontario legislature and previously worked as a lawyer before he rose to prominence in federal politics.
Alongside his political background, Singh is also a very vocal supporter of human rights. Singh married an entrepreneur, Gurkiran Kaur, in 2018, and he and his wife have two kids. Singh has also had this personal journey because he can “have joy in the struggle,” as he explained in one of his latest interviews during times of turmoil over the campaign.
“In all of those fights, I discovered that you can laugh or cry, okay? During those difficult times,” he declared, to a standing ovation from his supporters.
Singh’s resignation brings an end to a difficult chapter for the NDP, which now has an uncertain future without its head.
