Shirley McLoughlin

Shirley Eleanor McLoughlin (June 25, 1930 – July 20, 2018) was a Canadian politician, who was the leader of the British Columbia Liberal Party from 1981 to 1983.

Life and career Shirley Eleanor McLoughlin was born on June 25, 1930. Prior to assuming the leadership, McLoughlin worked as a teacher, and served as the party's president. She ran as the Liberal Party of Canada's candidate in Comox—Powell River in the 1980 federal election, losing to Ray Skelly. She was elected leader of the BC Liberals at their leadership convention on May 25, 1981, over lawyer Tom Finkelstein and farmer Roland Bouwman. She was defeated in her own dual-member district of Vancouver Centre by New Democrats Emery Barnes and Gary Lauk.

McLoughlin announced her resignation as party leader in August 1983. She was succeeded by Art Lee at the party's 1984 leadership convention.

McLoughlin later served two terms on the municipal council of Comox.

McLoughlin died at her home in Comox on July 20, 2018, at the age of 88.

Electoral record