Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party, has recently expressed uncertainty about her future in politics. She has hinted at stepping down from her role or leaving politics entirely on multiple occasions. However, these statements have often faded without action. May previously stepped down as party leader but returned to the position after Annamie Paul’s challenging leadership.

Last month, May announced she would not lead the Greens into the next federal election. In an email, she stated, "My voice, as the sole Green MP in the House of Commons, is stronger as leader. I intend to grow our parliamentary caucus before stepping down." She plans to remain in her roles until the party conducts a leadership review, which is required within six months of an election.

Despite her intentions, May recently requested Green Party members to allow her to stay on as leader until after a leadership race. She noted, "In 2019, I stepped down and an interim leader was appointed and they did a great job, but the reality of an interim leader is it creates uncertainty in the public mind." May emphasized the need for stability, stating, "You don’t want to be changing leaders every couple months."

In a letter to party members, May argued that her departure could lead to disruption and increased costs. She pointed out that she does not receive a salary as party leader, and appointing an interim leader would impose additional financial strain on the party, which currently owes about $600,000 from the recent federal election. In that election, the Greens lost a seat and garnered only 244,952 votes, representing 1.2 percent of the total.

However, there is significant dissent within the party regarding May's continued leadership. Over 40 party members have signed an open letter urging Greens to oppose her remaining as leader. Eric Gilmour, one of the letter's organizers, stated, "We really don’t know when the next election could be, and we believe that we need this time to find the leader. When the new leader or co-leaders are elected, they need time to get settled, prepare for an election, stuff like that. So we have this runway to prepare for the next election, hopefully turn this party around."

Critics within the party have raised concerns about May's commitment to stepping down. Gilmour expressed doubts, saying, "We’re frankly not confident that she actually intends to step down." Alex Tyrrell, leader of the Green Party of Quebec, echoed these sentiments on social media, suggesting that May's plan to influence her successor undermines the party's renewal efforts.

May's history of contemplating her departure adds to the skepticism. In 2016, she expressed frustration with the party's stance on the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement against Israel, stating, "I think it is wrong-headed for the party. It’s a very polarizing and divisive campaign … I need to talk to my family and ask them what they think I should do." In August 2024, reports indicated that she intended to step down and pass leadership to deputy leader Jonathan Pedneault, but his resignation led her to reconsider.

As the Green Party navigates its leadership challenges, the future of May's role remains uncertain amid calls for a new direction.