Can the BC NDP Survive This?

The BC NDP is in trouble. First Carole booted Bob Simpson from caucus for criticising her in public, then Norm Macdonald and Katrine Conroy resigned saying they were frustrated with James’ leadership. Now it seems that the biggest blow to James has come in the form of a public letter by NDP member and legislature veteran Jenny Kwan. In her statement she wrote “It is untenable that 40 percent of caucus members cannot publicly say they support the leader. Carole James is dividing the party by staying on as leader.”* James called for a emergency caucus meeting that was then canceled last Sunday mere hours before it was to be held. It is believed that both sides are talking and working towards some sort of reconciliation. However, the 13 dissidents from within the party caucus, labelled the Bakers Dozen, have all vowed to quit the party should one of them be ousted. Ms James won 84% approval from the NDP governing council in November and said then that the time for infighting was over. It seems like the infighting is anything but over.

My take on this is much more skeptical then some dissident members having a difference of opinion from the leader. I think they see the weakened Liberals and a sure NDP victory as a chance to grab the reins of power. They aren’t afraid what or who gets damaged. In this instance, the damage is happening to the BC NDP who will only be seen by the voting public as disorganized and incapable of running the government of the province. They might have legitimate concerns but in very general terms, the public doesn’t care beyond a fleeting interest for internal party issues. They care about being governed competently and, as it stands, the BC NDP look anything but competent.

The smart money is that after this weekend the party will consolidate behind NDP if they really want power. Internal issues of democracy and grassroots representation are important but these should be things that are dealt with inside the party itself. Imploding on the front page of every newspaper across the country is not the way to win confidence. Rather, it is a sure way to give away the next election, which is an election much like the previous one, that is the NDP’s to lose.

Cross posted at Progress Now!