Website touts B.C. NDP leadership change

B.C. NDP Leader Carole James says she's not concerned about a new website pushing to have Delta North MLA Guy Gentner take over as leader of the party.

The one-page website atwww.hesourguy.weebly.comcarriesthe bold title, "He's Our Guy! Draft Guy Gentner for BCNDP Leader."

The site's so-far anonymouscreatorsays the party needs to present another credible and progressive alternative to B.C. Liberal Premier Gordon Campbell.

James has come under fire in the last week after banning MLA Bob Simpson from hercaucus, but said she's not bothered by this latest challenge to her leadership.

"I've heard that Guy is not involved in it and I'm not worried about it," James said outside an NDP caucus meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday.

"I expect there are all kinds of people out there looking for their opportunity to get their few minutes in the media limelight," she said. "It doesn't surprise me at all. It's part of being the leader, it's part of moving ahead. I'm going to stay focused on our goal, showing British Columbians that they have a choice in the next election."

Gentner said he had nothing to do with the website and only learned about it Tuesday.

Leadership vote scheduled

"I'm going into a caucus meeting right now and Carole James is my leader," he told reporters.

When asked if he agreed with the sentiment expressed on the site, he said, "No comment."

James suggested there is plenty of time to sort out any leadership questions arising fromdecisions she's made.

"We've got a leadership vote coming up [in November 2011] and when you have these kinds of differences, people will put things out there. I'm not concerned."

The next provincial election is scheduled for May 2013.

There are no other outward signs of a caucus revolt, but MLA Leonard Krog did offer some supportive words for Simpson, who was banished for questioning James's leadership on a blog.

"Certainly I would like to see Bob brought back into caucus," Krog said. "How that occurs and when it occurs is not up to me."