Jean Charest steps down as Liberal leader
Jean Charest is stepping down as Quebec Liberal leader after 14 years, including nine as premier.
Charest made the announcement in Quebec City today, a day after losing his own seat in the provincial election and seeing his party form the official Opposition.
Charest came to the Liberals in 1998 from the federal Progessive Conservatives where he served as leader.
He was first elected as an MP in Brian Mulroney's first Conservative wave in 1984.
Including that victory, Charest won eight consecutive elections in Sherbrooke, four federal and four provincial, before losing
yesterday.
Charest prided himself during his three mandates as premier as a sound economic manager, particularly during the 2008 economic crisis that rocked the world.
Photo: Canadian Press