Running for the NDP leadership:

something to think about

MapleLine Magazine: December 9, 2010

by Mary P. Brooke

<< Back to Holiday 2010 issue

SOOKE, BC. As the MLA for the Sooke area (Juan de Fuca riding), John Horgan (NDP) has been asked frequently in the past few days if he would consider running for the leadership of the BC NDP, in the wake of NDP Leader Carole James submitting her resignation to the party on December 6. The leader of the other predominant party in the province, Premier Gordon Campbell (Lib) also resigned earlier this fall.

John Horgan, MLA for the riding of Juan de Fuca says it has "never happened before" that both predominant parties of the province are conducting leadership changes at the same time. Horgan is reviewing the possibility of standing for NDP party leader.

"It was a dark September for the Liberals and not the brightest of fortnights for the NDP these past few weeks," said Horgan in a telephone interview with MapleLine on Dec.9. "It's an important thing in times of confusion to look for clarity," he said. As for his own interest in running for the NDP leadership, Horgan says: "My heart is in it. But I have to gauge if this is something I want to engage in. I know what the job entails."

"In light of recent circumstances (i.e. leaders of both predominant parties resigning) I feel that the political process in this process needs to recapture a modicum of respect," said Horgan. "The public is down on the political class whether PC or NDP. We must always be mindful of the public interest. This opportunity for both parties to choose new leaders is a tremendous opportunity for our political culture and for the people."

On December 6, Carole James announced that she will be stepping down as leader of the NDP party "after seven years of dedicated service," it was issued in a release by Jan O'Brien, provincial secretary, BC NDP. "In her time as leader, Carole oversaw the growth of our party from two to 35 seats in the legislature. She held the BC Liberals to account each and every day. And she fought for the values that New Democrats and British Columbians hold dear. Please join me in thanking Carole for her dedicated years of service as leader of our party, and Leader of the Official Opposition," O'Brien wrote. MM

Photo (bottom left): Carole James, BC NDP Leader, from her website, December 2010.

This page is sponsored by MapleLine Business Centre. All your business printing and website needs at 6707 West Coast Road in Sooke. www.maplelinebusinesscentre.com