Now that the B.C. New Democrats have lost their favourite target in Premier Gordon Campbell, all eyes are on leader Carole James -- and not everyone thinks she should continue to head the party.
James was unable to defeat Campbell in the 2005 and 2009 elections. In the end, it was the premier who defeated himself.
Pollster Mario Canseco of Angus Reid Strategies told CTV News that Campbell's decision to resign is a bad omen for the New Democrats.
"It's not good for the immediate future because they do not have anyone they can criticize as much as they were criticizing Campbell," Canseco said.
Although Campbell's approval rating plunged to a historic low of nine per cent last month, James's numbers aren't that much better.
"Basically, one in four people see her as somebody who can run the show in Victoria," Canseco said.
But James has been hesitant to comment on her struggling popularity.
When asked why she was unable to boost her own ratings while Campbell's fell, she answered: "Well, in fact I'm very proud of the record of New Democrats and the work we've done since the election."
Former New Democrat strategist Bill Tieleman wonders if Carole James is the right person to unseat the Liberals.
"It's unusual for any political leader in this day and age to get three tries at winning an election. That's up to the NDP delegates and members. Clearly it's going be a challenge," he said.
MLA Bob Simpson has openly questioned James's leadership, but he was kicked out of the party caucus for his criticism. He believes that she has been unable to endear herself to B.C. voters, despite seven years of trying.
"She hasn't captured the hearts and minds of British Columbians to date, and now with the Liberals having an opportunity to renew themselves through a new leadership, maybe the NDP needs to look at that as well," he said.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Shannon Paterson
