Jenny Kwan may have struck “fatal blow” on NDP Leader Carole James, Bob Simpson says

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      The Cariboo North MLA who was kicked out of the NDP caucus by Carole James says her leadership of the party may have just received its “fatal blow”.

      Independent MLA Bob Simpson told the Straight that he agrees with much of the criticisms of James outlined today (December 1) by NDP MLA Jenny Kwan in a statement calling for a leadership change.

      “The whole lack of depth under Carole’s leadership—we just haven’t done any of the work,” Simpson said this afternoon by phone. “We don’t have a vision. We don’t have policy. We don’t have a sense of what mandate we’re going to go to the public and ask for.”

      Simpson noted that Kwan has probably the “deepest roots” in the party and caucus, and therefore her concerns can’t be just brushed aside.

      James ejected Simpson from caucus on October 6 after he criticized her leadership on a Williams Lake website.

      “I think, the NDP, the only way to survive this is to do some kind of leadership process lockstep with the Liberals,” Simpson said.

      In her statement, Kwan says a one-member, one-vote leadership convention should be held as soon as possible.

      "The time for renewal in our party is long overdue," Kwan wrote. "It is untenable that 40% of caucus members cannot publicly say they support the leader. Carole James is dividing the party by staying on as leader."

      Simpson said he would have preferred to see a “more graceful exit or a more graceful opportunity for leadership renewal”.

      Asked whether he thinks the NDP can win the next election under James, Simpson replied, “No, I have not believed that for some time. I don’t believe that.”

      Simpson said he has no intention of seeking the leadership himself.

      Like Kwan, Simpson is critical of how James has made important decisions and treated the NDP caucus.

      “For a person who goes to the public and calls herself a collaborative, consultative leader, that was certainly not our experience in caucus and it was getting worse after Mr. Sihota joined the party,” Simpson said, referring to Moe Sihota, the party president.

      Simpson noted he would consider rejoining the caucus under a new leader.

      But for that to happen, Sihota would have to go as well, he said.

      “I can’t come back into a party that allows the kind of unethical behaviour that I see,” Simpson said. “His backroom deals and just the way that he goes about business, I don’t think it’s healthy for the party.”

      You can follow Stephen Hui on Twitter at twitter.com/stephenhui.

      Comments

      6 Comments

      glen p robbins

      Dec 1, 2010 at 4:44pm

      WOW

      nachum

      Dec 2, 2010 at 1:32am

      Who cares what Bob Simpson says. The guy who would be leader of the BC NDP, but for one thing. They dumped him because he was considered abusive and a bully.

      Bye-bye Bob.

      Strong New Democrat

      Dec 2, 2010 at 6:48am

      Dream on Bob Simpson!

      Kyute

      Dec 2, 2010 at 7:39am

      At the first sniff of power the lefties implode like a house of cards... pathetic

      k dyson

      Dec 2, 2010 at 10:11am

      A leadership change would be the best thing...or if as Ms Kwan suggests a vote by the entire membership...and if Ms James wins well so be it...but the election is the NDP's to lose and it is doing a good job of that...

      Bill

      Dec 2, 2010 at 10:31am

      So it's not just James the rump caucus is stalking; Sihota is also on the hit list too. Something about this just doesn't feel right. I wonder what is really going on.