Rebel B.C. MLA calls for re-brand of NDP

A rebel MLA says B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell's resignation represents an opportunity and a challenge for the provincial NDP.

Bob Simpson, who was thrown out of the party's caucus last month after criticizing leader Carole James, says his party will lose the next election if they stand pat and let the Liberals win back the hearts and minds of voters.

"I think its a wake up call to the NDP because they have been riding Mr. Campbell's unpopularity for quite some time," said Simpson, who now sits as an independent MLA.

And he's not letting up on his critiques of James's performance.

The party's message under James up to now has simply been, "we won't be Gordon Campbell," Simpson said.

"There is a lot of 'we wont's.'" he said. "[New Democrats] have to sit back and think about what they need to do to tell British Columbians what they would be like in government and actually win a mandate to govern this province in 2013."

B.C. Education Minister George Abbott, considered a likely B.C. Liberal leadership contender, said Thursday that Campbell's resignation is an opportunity for the party to rebrand.

Simpson said he thinks the NDP should take the same advice.

"The NDP is actually going to have to offer viable alternatives and try and capture the hearts and minds of British Columbians, which they haven't been able to do to date."

James has said Simpson can return to the NDP caucus if he apologizes for the critical remarks he made about her leadership.

Simpson repeated Thursday that he believes he has nothing to apologize for.