MLA Bob Simpson tells CKNW that B.C. NDP members are "walking away from the party"

Cariboo North MLA Bob Simpson told CKNW this morning that he doesn't believe that comments he made on his constituency website are the reason he was kicked out of the NDP caucus.

Simpson said his constituency executive has been raising concerns about declining membership in the B.C. NDP. He also claimed that he has raised concerns with B.C. NDP president Moe Sihota and within caucus about the party's inability to excite the public.

"The NDP is not moving in the polls despite a government being on its knees," Simpson said, adding that the party's membership "is walking away from us".

Simpson also declared on CKNW that two-thirds of British Columbians either don't know who NDP Leader Carole James is or disapprove of her leadership.

Early this morning, James announced that Simpson had been bounced out of caucus after he criticized her on his constituency website.

"Through his public comments today, Mr. Simpson has made it clear that he would rather criticize our work than contribute to it," James said in a statement. "He has made it clear that he does not want to be part of our team."

On his constituency website, Simpson took a shot at both Premier Gordon Campbell and James for their speeches to the recent convention of the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

"The Leader of the Opposition likewise had little concrete to offer the delegates other than a commitment to be more consultative than the current government and a promise to explore the possibility of revenue sharing with local governments," Simpson declared.

Comments

12 Comments

Evil Eye

Oct 7, 2010 at 8:12am

I think James fired the wrong person! Have a look in the mirror!

RodSmelser

Oct 7, 2010 at 8:24am

Fair enough, Charlie, but you've kind of overlooked one thing.

The Cariboo North NDP constituency executive is promoting a resolution calling for a leadership convention in 2011.

http://www.publiceyeonline.com/archives/005316.html

I think that's the crucial factor that drove this situation over the red line.

Still, Simpson is an intelligent MLA. His recent article on the Prosperity Mine/Fish Lake issue is a prime example of the kind of thinking we need in public life, but seldom get, and we don't get it from the Westside ENGOs with their luxurious, multi-million dollar payrolls either.

http://bobsimpsonmla.ca/topics/critic/

This situation has to get resolved and there will have to be some movement on all sides, James, Simpson and Sihota.

Rod Smelser

bland

Oct 7, 2010 at 9:30am

The NDP is a terrible party with a terrible track record, and Carol James does no represent someone I would want to represent my vote.

The Liberals are corrupt and should be out of power as soon as possible, but this does not mean the NDP should take over by default.

I would take a mediocre 3rd choice WAY before the NDP or Liberals.

LOL...al this talk from the Liberals about how difficult it would be to pay back the 1.6 billion in HST transition funding should we scrap the HST reminds me of the 1.6 billion pissed away on the fast ferries. Remember when the government sold the fast ferries back to the washington group for 30 million (which is less the its scrap value, LESS THEN SCRAP VALUE!?). When they asked Kyle Washington what he was going to do with the ferries he said "at that price ill use the for water skiing."

Jim Van Rassel

Oct 7, 2010 at 10:22am

Ms James is listening to the old guard,, the ones that the general public have no time for. If Ms James and the NDP are going to be this stupid they deserve nothing. Another party that has forgotten who they work for. Carole, enjoy the unemployment line, you are so fired.
Jim Van Rassel
Coquitlam BC

pjmora

Oct 7, 2010 at 10:41am

Yes, a 3rd way is to elect political delegates, independent of any party, who would legislate not their individual choice, but only what is accepted by the majority of people on a perpetual electoral system, as suggested by www.nowpolling.ca

That is what Direct Democracy is all about! Are you ready for it?

R U Kiddingme

Oct 7, 2010 at 1:47pm

Bob Simpson is right. I stopped p-ing away my contributions to the party of orange when Svend stepped aside for Alexa McDonough. It was clear to me even then that they seemingly preferred to be gadflies rather than in governance. This is not surprising because the left is inherently leery of authority and so they will attack anyone who shows signs of being an Alpha even amongst themselves. The main thing I like about Jack Layton is that he is ambitious and actually wants power. However he is a boring speaker with no new or useful ideas. It is no wonder that the NDP is hemorrhaging members. Why pay money when, for all the good it will do, you might as well just make anonymous comments at the Straight or Tyee or Rabble?

edforde

Oct 8, 2010 at 6:19am

Carol James is is somewhat like Gordon Campbell as they both think they are the only people that can do the job, their personal egos get in the way of reality. The majority of BC people DO NOT want either of them which is proven by the very few people that bother to vote. How many times does CJ have to lose to the worst leader (GC) that BC has ever had before she admits she is not the right person for the job. WE NEED CHANGE, a party that is for the tax paying natives of BC-not just for big buisnesses that return very little to BC people or that continues to hand to non tax paying natives that give nothing back to BC.

glen p robbins

Oct 9, 2010 at 10:55am

The B.C. public KNOWS that no-one in political leadership in the province at any level - stands for anything.

Bob Simpson admitted he is a policy wonk. The average person could care as much for this as they do lawyers. What time do people have for all the language - some hidden - some disclosed.

What the BC public wants to know from leaders is: Who the hell are you, and what do you STAND for--how do YOU see how your leadership will impact on the lives of British Columbians.

More and more - in fact a majority of people are aware that the talking heads, the professionals, economists - experts - are all paid to stand on lily pads and crow.

They don't care about business - make money - create jobs - if you can't don't ask for our money - go out of business and let someone else who is better replace you. On government and taxes - leave us alone until you clean up your act.

Gordon Campbell is the last of his era that anyone in the public ever wants to see again -- Harper (at least in BC) will probably falter as well.

To be a successful leader in the future - don't be anything like Gordon Campbell - who symbolizes arrogance, entitlement - and a complete disregard for the people.

Fake it if you must.

truthbetold

Oct 9, 2010 at 12:50pm

UNIONS should start their own party. Time for People Power!

Stalwart

Oct 10, 2010 at 7:11pm

I think members who are upset over Bob being kicked out should transfer their membershps to caribo North in Support of Bob. This would allow him more delegates at convention when the time comes to vote on their resolution for a leadership review.