James Will Regret Booting Simpson

(Aired on October 8, 2010)

Back in December, an interview I did with Bob Simpson made me sit up and take notice.  He spoke about an upcoming party convention in which the New Democrats would discuss their Harmonized Sales Tax strategy.  While his colleagues were simply launching attacks against the Liberal government, Simpson was much more reluctant.  He said after the party already opposed the Carbon Tax, it needed to be careful.  Opposing the HST, he thought, would position the NDP as an anti-tax party.  BC politics are crazy, but not that crazy.

The interview confirmed to me that Bob Simpson isn't always in step with the rest of the party.  Sure enough, Simpson was booted out of the NDP camp this week for criticizing leader Carole James. 

Most people will recognize that Bob Simpson was ejected from the caucus for speaking the truth.  Simpson sees that the NDP have failed to capitalize on the giant political football fumbled by the governing Liberals directly into their hands.  The HST boondoggle should be what the party is jumping all over - not the substance of the tax, but the way the government screwed up its imposition.  Instead, the upstart Fight HST group has been the dominant voice keeping the government accountable, and as such has become the de facto opposition party.  The NDP are riding high in the polls, but that's because they are the default second option.  The party has failed to find its voice.  It's exactly the reason why I am still reluctant to write off the Liberals for the next election.

Bob Simpson is right to criticize his party, and he is justified in doing so because he wants to see his party do well.  If he stays on the outside looking in, and if his critiques are not heeded, it's Carole James who regret not having him on board.