Supporters and critics of embattled BC NDP Leader Carole James have taken the debate over her political future online.
Since Premier Gordon Campbell announced his resignation early last month, James has seen her approval rating drop and faced public criticism from 13 of her MLAs.
On the eve of an emergency caucus meeting set to address infighting in the party, New Democrats were tight-lipped on Saturday – but the fight over James' leadership was raging on Facebook.
Posters in one group, Progressives for BC NDP Renewal, continued calls for James to step down and criticized those who claimed her critics were damaging the party.
"Each attack on them increases their support," one group member wrote. "I know I speak for more than one candidate, campaign manager, organizer, volunteer and member of the public when I say I am humiliated by current events."
But the group only had about 80 members by Saturday evening, while a pro-James group called BC New Democrats United had amassed more than 220.
It also links to a petition on the B.C. NDP website with more than 2,300 signatures in favour of a "united party."
With silence from caucus members, speculation swirled about what may come from Sunday's meeting. Political scientist Kennedy Stewart said the party will be well-served if James handles her critics quickly.
Stewart says the sooner she does, the more likely voters will forget the infighting come election time.
"You may see this die down pretty quickly," he said. "The good news for the NDP is that the Liberals are about to start tearing themselves apart with a leadership race."
Depending on what happens on Sunday, Stewart says the NDP insurgency could look like a mere kerfuffle by comparison.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Sarah Galashan
