B.C. NDP executive disses MPs and local politicians in recommending May 2014 leadership convention

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      The B.C. NDP executive doesn't want to open up the party's next leadership race to people outside of the caucus.

      That's the obvious signal from today's recommendation that the next leadership convention take place on May 25, 2014.

      The party's provincial council still has to ratify the decision.

      If this occurs, it means that the B.C. NDP won't be able to count on the talented MP from Skeena–Bulkley Valley, Nathan Cullen, entering the next leadership contest.

      He recently told the Huffington Post that he would be more likely to run if the race were scheduled in 2015.

      The B.C. NDP executive's recommendation also has the potential to marginalize some popular mayors, including Burnaby's Derek Corrigan and the City of North Vancouver's Darrell Mussatto.

      They would find it difficult to seek the B.C. NDP leadership in 2014, which is a municipal election year.

      That's because they know that it would raise howls of outrage in their communities should they attempt reelection after missing out on the party's provincial top job.

      It's surprising that the B.C. NDP executive would make a decision like this when the party needs all the help it can get.

      A vibrant leadership race would result in the recruitment of new members, open up a lively debate over policies, and possibly bring candidates forward with experience heading local governments.

      Instead, party members will likely see a couple of retreads in the race, along with rookie MLAs like David Eby or Judy Darcy.

      "The recommendation by the executive was made following consultation with the party’s legislative caucus, the leader, and local constituency presidents," the B.C. NDP said in a news release. 

      In other words, the consultation didn't extend to anyone outside the inner circle, like members of Burnaby council.

      Don't count on much excitement once the race finally gets underway. The deck has already been stacked in favour of the incumbents in caucus, undermining the credibility of the contest.

      The message seems to be: ask not what you can do for your party. With this gang, it's more like a case of asking what the party can do for them.

      Comments

      8 Comments

      HellSlayerAndy

      Oct 21, 2013 at 4:06pm

      "It's surprising that the B.C. NDP executive would make a decision like this when the party needs all the help it can get."

      If U feel so strongly Mr. Smith...here's a thought...go back to being a journalist and get to the bottom of that stinking pile of corruption called a party instead of being their POLITICAL CONSULTANT!!!!

      Murray

      Oct 21, 2013 at 5:10pm

      I don't agree that the party should wait until 2015 just because it isn't convenient for Nathan Cullen. But May is a little early. Isn't the Leg still sitting then?

      And who is really, seriously talking about Derek Corrigan (besides his support staff)?

      SPY vs SPY

      Oct 21, 2013 at 5:47pm

      The Ridding Presidents and the entire Executive of the BC NDP need to resign.

      This is the group that approved the "Just Smile and You Will Win" campaign, that left Adrian Dix with a Shit Eating Grin on election night.

      These Morons think that they own the Party, That they are the Party and that they are the Life of the Party.

      They are nothing but a Giant Bowel Obstruction!!

      kiskatinawkid

      Oct 21, 2013 at 6:24pm

      The NDP has really lost its way. I know...I voted for them! They should get with the program or dissolve and make way for a new "progressive" party.

      New Democrat Member

      Oct 21, 2013 at 10:41pm

      For once the Provincial Office and the leadership of BC NDP is doing the right thing, they are getting out of the way as soon as possible. I agree with Murray, why do we have to wait for Cullen. Eight months is plenty of time for people to make up their minds and get into a race. Candidates get into Provincial or Federal races with a lot less time. This argument is suspicious and the people pushing for it want to stay in control. I don't buy that this Forward BC NDP group is anything other than a sham for the same bunch. Anyone who knows Sue Hammell knows she is the consummate campaigner, who has her fingers in everything at the legislature and at Provincial office. She is behind this so-called Forward BC NDP and she is using her daughter Sage Aaron as her new face. Members have had enough, members want to rebuild with a new President, Executive, Provincial Secretary and Leader. Get on with it already.

      cherylb

      Oct 22, 2013 at 8:18am

      What’s the rush? What motivation and what right does an outgoing Provincial Secretary, Leader and President, along with an outgoing Executive, have to make a decision like when to hold a Leadership Convention, three weeks before Convention and excluding the members from the decision?

      Section 15.02 of the Constitution clearly states that Provincial Council is subject to the authority of Convention and is the governing body BETWEEN Conventions. It is unnecessary for this telephone meeting and email vote to take place so close to Convention.

      It isn’t an emergency decision. It won’t have any effect if they wait three more weeks. Once again, this decision appears to have been made for someone’s own personal agenda, rather than what is best for the party.

      John Horgan, by removing himself from the race, has clearly made the suggestion that he is willing to serve as interim leader. Why wouldn’t we take him up on it, focus on trying to fix the division and dysfunction in the party and hold the leadership race later? Until those things are dealt with, it won’t matter who the leader is, in my opinion.

      ITs time

      Oct 22, 2013 at 8:10pm

      There comes a time when you just have to pack it in.

      This is that time.

      Dissolve the party... get out of the way, cut labour loose so they can just carry on being irrelevant and not draggin down the official opposition with them.

      IT matters not when you crown your next loser, the game is over.

      Cullen just wants out before Mulcair crashes into the rocks.

      BC "Forward" is a bunch backward looking hacks all tied up to the same lot that delivered the useless dysfunction you call a party.

      DO BC a favour and go away.

      Arthur Vandelay

      Oct 22, 2013 at 10:30pm

      Where is the sage counsel of Jenny Kwan at this time of peril?