NDP defeated in B.C., but James to stay on

The NDP has been defeated for the third straight time in B.C., but party leader Carole James has won her seat and says she had no immediate plans to step down.

James phoned Campbell to congratulate him before appearing on stage at the Empress Hotel in Victoria to address  her supporters shortly before 10 p.m. PT Tuesday.

The party won 42 per cent of the popular vote in the provincial election, about four per cent less than the victorious Liberals, putting them ahead in 37 seats, while the Liberals lead in 48, with more than half of the polls reporting.

"The results may not be what we hoped for, but the views of our constituents will be well represented," she told the supportive crowd. "Thank you New Democrats for the incredible work you put in, in this election."

James was easily re-elected to her seat in Victoria-Beacon Hill, with 55 per cent of the popular vote.

James did not indicate she has any plans to step down from the leadership of the party, instead saying that she would reflect on the loss, and was looking forward to representing her supporters in the legislature.

"Tonight I just want to reflect," James told CBC News. "People are going to need a voice to stand up for them and I'm looking forward to doing that."

The NDP's best showing was on Vancouver Island where it appeared ready to pick up 10 of 14 seats, with more than 50 per cent of the popular vote.