B.C. NDP leader says she won't budge

B.C. NDP Leader Carole James says she knows some members within her own party want to give her the boot, but she's not going anywhere any time soon.

James said Tuesday she's not naming names, but is aware some are unhappy with her leadership of the Opposition New Democrats.

"I think there's always efforts to force every leader out," she told reporters. "That's just the reality of a political party, and I think New Democrats probably do that better than anyone when it comes to political parties."

Recently, James expelled former Quesnel New Democrat Bob Simpson from the party caucus after he publicly criticized her in an online column. Norm Macdonald quit as caucus chairman over the move, but remains in the party.

James said B.C. New Democrats are known for picking on their leaders, even if they are well ahead in public opinion polls and virtual shoo-ins to win the next election.

"In New Democrats, I think there's always a movement to look at leaders and putting different leaders in place," she said. "I think that's just a reality in our party. I'm not worried about it."

The New Democrats forced former premier Mike Harcourt from office in the mid-1990s, paving the way for former premier Glen Clark to take over.