Spencer Chandra Herbert says “whole caucus” played role in B.C. NDP infighting

Vancouver MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert says Carole James should not bear all the blame for the infighting that has plagued the B.C. New Democrat caucus.

“Clearly there was a division. The whole caucus had a part to play in it,” Chandra Herbert told the Straight today (December 6) by phone. “I don’t think it’s fair to lay it all at Carole James’ feet.”

“Every caucus member had a responsibility to work well, to find ways to function as a team and I think that work has to continue no matter who’s the leader,” he added. “And I think that just as in any other workplace that work will continue.”

Chandra Herbert made the comments following the embattled Opposition leader’s announcement she is stepping down as head of the provincial NDP after seven years in the role.

“I think it’s going to take some time for people to reflect on what this means, to reflect on what roles they played in the divisions that were created,” said Chandra Herbert, who was among a group of NDP MLAs that stood in support of James during a news conference last week.

Asked who should lead the party in the future, Chandra Herbert said: “Today’s the day that I want to reflect on Carole’s leadership and what we can learn from it and what lessons we can take of the course of the last number of months. So, no, I can’t put forward anything like that today.”

The MLA for Vancouver-West End told the Straight he was surprised by James’ decision and thanked her for her work as party leader.

Chandra Herbert said the NDP needs to focus on its work in Victoria as official Opposition and trying to form government.

“I hope we can all take something from this and realize we all have to put in,” he said. “It’s so easy to snipe from the sidelines and to be critical and to criticize decisions that leaders make.”

“But if you haven’t done anything to try to better a situation, and you just sit and criticize, you’re not bettering a situation.”

Chandra Herbert emphasized he is committed to working as a “peace-builder” within the caucus.

Comments

6 Comments

Ken Lawson

Dec 6, 2010 at 5:59pm

Who is Spencer Herbert?

A

Dec 6, 2010 at 6:33pm

The MLA for downtown vancouver

Marsha Sibthorpe

Dec 6, 2010 at 7:34pm

Good for you Spencer. Always be a peace-builder.

Terry S.

Dec 6, 2010 at 7:44pm

I honestly don't want any of the 13 called the baker's dozen, with ringleader Jenn Kwan any where near the leadership of NDP. I will absolutely not vote for NDP if that happens.

Who Is Spencer Herbert?

Dec 7, 2010 at 12:35pm

A middle of the road liberal, full of smug, holier than thou opinions and lacking a political backbone. An adopter of 'attitudes' that fit in with trendy, fashionable opinion. Hey, maybe he should be the next NDP leader!

Peace

Dec 7, 2010 at 1:16pm

If the NDP wants to be an affective oppostion I would concentrate on all out war. Something similar to the NDPs who took their leader out and now it would be great to see the NDP politicians go at the Opposition with the same vengance and lots of media coverage.
Well we got 13 NDP members that are happy at the cost of all the rest.
Whistle blowing, hardly when you look at the mistakes Campbell has made and still comes out in the press as a BC hero but that was yesterday. And so is James, someone you could trust.
The party will be greatly dividied going into the next election and will cost the party the election but the old timers like Kwan and Corky have little to worry about because their is an $800,000 pension with their name on it for putting in 74 hours in the legislature for the year.