Kwan calls for NDP leadership convention

NDP MLA Jenny Kwan is calling for a B.C. NDP leadership convention to be held as soon as possible because of what she calls"the steady erosion of our democratic principles" under leader Carole James.

In a strongly worded statement issued by Kwan early Wednesday afternoon, the Vancouver-Mt. Pleasant MLA blasted James for stifling debate inside the caucus and over-ruling caucus decisions.

"Under Carole James' leadershipdebate has been stifled, decision-making centralized, and individual MLAs marginalized," said Kwan.

"Many are shocked at how some critical decisions are made or how caucus decisions have been later altered," she said.

"Equally dismaying is how MLAs then learn about these decisions through the media. This poor decision-making practice and a lack of genuine consultation within our caucus is an ongoing source of frustration for many within the caucus."

No clear leadership

Kwan also said James was failing to provide clear leadership for the party and repeatedly failed to take a public stand on critical issues.

"As well, for too long there has been a clear lack of direction under the leadership of Carole James. Whenever a challenging policy decision arises, often the default position is to avoid taking a stand," said Kwan.

"The delay in grappling with difficult but critical public policy choices often results in making the NDP irrelevant in the hearts and minds of British Columbians."

Just two weeks ago James won a critical vote of support from party leaders at a weekend summit, but her failure to get the support of 13 dissident MLAs in the caucus was seen a critical failure by many.

The vote followed heavy criticism of James for kicking MLA Bob Simpson out of the party after he criticized one of her speeches in an online posting.

Backroom deal unacceptable

In the statement issued on Wednesday Kwan also criticised the party's financial relationship with its president Moe Sihota.

"While we in the NDP have rightly called for open and transparent government, the financial deal made with our own party president Moe Sihota was not done in a transparent manner."

"Backroom deals should have no place in today's politics. Yet Carole James knew about this deal and did not intervene. In fact, the NDP caucus was not even informed of this arrangement until recently. This was shocking to many of us because engaging in such questionable practices is a recipe for disaster."

Kwan said she intends to remain in caucus, and fight for renewal of the party through a leadership convention.

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

"Now is the time for democratic change and party renewal: it is needed, it is exciting and it is overdue."