Mike Pemberton resigns as Yukon Liberal leader

Former premier Mike Pemberton has resigned as Yukon Liberal Party leader.

Vuntut Gwitchin MLA Debra-Leigh Reti will replace him as interim party leader. She was appointed by the party executive, according to an emailed statement from the party on Wednesday, announcing Pemberton's departure. The statement says Pemberton had stepped down "effective immediately."

Pemberton told CBC News it was a mutual decision between himself and the party executive.

"We're going into an [annual general meeting] with the only elected member of the party in place," Pemberton said. "We thought it would be better."

Reti is the only Liberal MLA in the current Legislative Assembly.

On election night in November, when the Liberals were ousted from government by Currie Dixon's Yukon Party, Pemberton said he would stay on as Liberal leader for the government's transition, and until his party's annual general meeting in January.

Pemberton said he's now realized it would be better for the Liberals to have an interim leader with a seat in the Legislative Assembly.

Pemberton won the party leadership last June after former premier Ranj Pillai stepped down as leader, and months before a requisite election call.

Reflecting on his time as leader, Pemberton said he wishes he'd made some bolder moves, particularly to mitigate the cost of living. He also conceded that his election as party leader, when he defeated Doris Bill, fueled division in the party.

"That was sad to see," Pemberton said. "So, hopefully moving forward ... the next leader will do a better job of bringing the party together."

Pemberton said he remains on good terms with the party's executive and is planning to attend the Liberals' annual general meeting on Thursday night. He said he isn't planning to run for the party leadership again.

"We support Debra-Leigh [Reti] 100 per cent," Pemberton said.

Thursday's meeting will be the first official public gathering of Yukon Liberals since the party was voted out of office.

An earlier agenda for Thursday's meeting included a leadership review, election of a new executive, and a financial report. The party's updated statement does not include mention of a leadership review.

Premier Currie Dixon said Wednesday that Reti's appointment as interim Liberal leader "was logical and not a huge surprise."

He also thanked Pemberton "for his service and for his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition following the last election."

"And I certainly wish Debra-Leigh Reti all the best."