Kerry-Lynne Findlay has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. less than four months after taking the helm, ending a brief and tumultuous tenure marked by an exodus of MLAs, bitter party infighting and mounting calls for her to step aside.

Ms. Findlay announced her resignation on Sunday, saying that too much energy has been spent on party infighting that should have been directed toward challenging the NDP and preparing to form government.

“Sometimes leadership means stepping forward. Sometimes leadership means standing your ground. And sometimes leadership means knowing when the interests of something larger than yourself require you to step aside,” she said in a three-page statement.

“Today, I am choosing to step aside.”

Ms. Findlay narrowly defeated Caroline Elliott 51 to 49 per cent on the fourth ballot in a May 30 leadership contest. Beginning Aug. 14, a steady stream of MLAs began quitting the caucus, all citing issues related to her leadership.