MP Peter Julian not ruling out B.C. NDP leadership run

by Stephen Thomson on Dec 7, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Comments
Burnaby-New Westminster NDP MP Peter Julian.
Stephen Hui

Poll

Would MP Peter Julian make a good B.C. NDP leader?

Yes 76%
146 votes
No 24%
47 votes

Metro Vancouver MPPeter Julian has indicated he has yet to “close the door” on potentially running for the leadership of the B.C. New Democrats.

Speaking to the Straight today (December 7) by phone, Julian said he hasn’t “given any consideration” to running, noting “it’s still extremely early” as Carole James announced her resignation only yesterday.

But, he said: “I have been getting some calls and I’m starting to return those calls now and talking to folks and hearing what they have to say.”

“But,” the NDP MP for Burnaby-New Westminster continued, “this week I think it’s looking at the legacy of all of Carole’s work and making that point that she took us from a party that was on the verge of extinction to a party that is very vibrant, where we have often healthy debates.”

Asked how open he is to the potential for a provincial leadership run, Julian said: “Well, I don’t close the door.”

He then added: “I don’t think it’s a position you decide you want to run for. I think it’s very much a position that people call you to.”

“If people feel that you have the skills and the determination and the passion that is necessary then they’ll let you know that.”

In a statement read in Ottawa today, Julian praised James for her efforts to rebuild the B.C. NDP.

“Through her determination, calm and quiet confidence, Carole rallied broad support from the grassroots,” the statement says. “She travelled through B.C., small towns to big cities and she brought the party from two seats to three dozen seats and came within a few thousands votes of victory in 2005 and 2009.”

Meanwhile, two other Metro Vancouver NDP politicians today said they are not interested in seeking the provincial leadership job.

“I’m absolutely thrilled where I am at,” Don Davies, MP for Vancouver Kingsway, told the Straight by phone. “I’ve got the best job for me in British Columbia which is representing the people of Vancouver Kingsway in Parliament and that’s where I’m going to stay.”

New Westminster MLA Dawn Black told the Straight by phone: “I will not be running for the leadership of the New Democratic party. That’s absolutely not in the cards at all.”

Comments (10) Add New Comment
Murray
Dec 7, 2010 at 7:11 pm
I thin Julian would be the best candidate of the names I have heard so far. He is electable, very intelligent, a hard worker and a likable guy. He was smart enough to stay out of the BC NDP split so he has no baggage there.
0
0
Rating: 0
scuppeganonog
Dec 7, 2010 at 8:23 pm
He's credible, well spoken, and not part of the recent infighting.

I hope he at least gives it serious consideration.
0
0
Rating: 0
Vancouverite
Dec 8, 2010 at 12:11 am
I can't think of a better person to unite the party. He is very experienced, non-judgemental, ethical, hard-working and passionate about what he does.
0
0
Rating: 0
like him
Dec 8, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Well, if it can't be Cullen then it might as well be Julian!
0
0
Rating: 0
Jackie
Dec 8, 2010 at 8:07 pm
I think he's a good candidate until he says "Carole has broad support from the grassroots." The party gained seats not because of Carole, but the destructiveness of Gordo's regime. If anything, even with Gordo's mean streak, people still prefer to pinch their noses to vote Liberal were very telling. Look at all the polls before she relunctantly stepped down - it's overwhelming in the 80+% wanting her out, and these are ordinary people, not your union or political hacks.
0
0
Rating: 0
Terry Lawrence
Dec 8, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Looks presentable and would have the advantage of not being involved in the BCNDP dustup, so he might be a good choice to unite the factions around since he wasn't involved with either of them. He would have to find a safe provincial seat to run in, though, which would be a problem since MLAs with safe seats are not likely to want to give them up.
0
0
Rating: 0
LGM
Dec 8, 2010 at 10:43 pm
I totally agree with you, Jackie. She didn't have broad grassroot support. A huge blind spot for her supporters. I feel some anger at her behaviour as well. But, anyone speaking publicly now must make nice. And, although the last few months were not her finest hour, she has done some good things. Probably, many. She is just a human being, after all is said and done, as we all are.
0
0
Rating: 0
Alex Johnston
Dec 8, 2010 at 11:15 pm
It would be good to have an experienced politician, who would also be a fresh face to BC provincial politics. He would be part of a long line of successful MPs who became Premiers. People such as Tommy Douglas, and Jean Lesage, were able to transform their provinces politics, after leaving Ottawa, to become provincial leaders. They Not only were successful, but transformed politics in their home provinces.

While Peter Julian might see himself primarily part of the Canadian federal scene, he should remember that Douglas and Lesage both ended up transforming the whole country through their success in provincial politics.

Whatever he decides, it is always good when we have authentic leaders like Peter Julian in Ottawa or Victoria.
0
0
Rating: 0
TM Poo
Dec 9, 2010 at 9:59 am
There is probably no one in the NDP who understand British Columbia's economy better than Julian. His defense of the forest industry in Ottawa was epic. His understanding of global trade issues and gateway is phenomenal.

There is no question Peter Julian will have my full support and this would include finacial support for a leadership run.

0
0
Rating: 0
Bruce McAndless-Davis
Dec 12, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Peter is one of the most principled and sincere people I know - not to mention politician. His lack of "provincial baggage" is the least of his assets. He would bring a thoughtful approach to leadership that would emphasize issues over personality and coalition-building over unproductive confrontation. I'd hate to lose him from federal politics but he would be a welcome addition the provincial political scene which so often generates more heat than light.
0
0
Rating: 0
Add new comment
To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.