British Columbia MLA Paul Reitsma has finally called it quits, just as recall campaigners were claiming victory.

Reitsma has managed to avoid becoming the first politician in the Commonwealth to be recalled.

In a written statement Tuesday, Reitsma said he has submitted his resignation. He said it was a privilege to serve the public for 15 years.

Reitsma was forced to admit he had written a series of letter to newspaper editors and political opponents under phoney names.

He was kicked out of the Liberal caucus in April, but he refused to resign as an MLA. Instead Reitsma told the legislature he would work to regain the public trust.

Voters in Parksville-Qualicum were not in a forgiving mood. A recall campaign swept through the riding. They needed 17,000 signatures on their petitions. Last week they submitted 25,000 names to Elections B.C.