聽Since Adrian Dix announced his intention to step down as B.C. NDP leader last month, 11 MLAs have approached former party boss Carole James about what it takes to succeed in the job.
Her answer has been blunt.
"Someone who doesn't mind working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no time off and huge demands," said James, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. "But it can be incredibly rewarding. Even with all the challenges I faced in my seven years as leader, it's an extraordinary privilege to be able to serve the party."
The NDP never formed government when James was the leader and she was ousted after an internal party dispute in 2010. Dix succeeded her, but after the party failed to move the dial in May's election, he also stepped down.
A leadership vote is expected before the middle of next year, but so far no candidates have officially entered the contest. That could change with a party convention a month away.
James said a strong field of candidates is important for the party as it tries to find a way to win back government after losing four straight elections to the Liberals. She hopes both experienced MLAs and newcomers enter the race along with outsiders and unexpected candidates.
"I'm really hoping that it's going to be a difficult choice," James said. "That to me would be a good race."
Newly elected North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, who joined James on her tour of Prince George social service agencies on Tuesday, said she believes the next leader needs to be charismatic.
"I do think the leader has to be someone who can engage with the general public," she said. "Unfortunately charisma really does matter, you can be the most strategic or brilliant genius - but you also have to have that ability to relate to the general population."
Neither Rice nor James were ready to endorse any one possible candidate at this point, but James said she may join someone's team this time out. As the outgoing leader, James stayed neutral in the last leadership race.
"I'm kind of playing the role as elder statesperson," she said. "Right now I'm enjoying that role of being able to provide that advice with no ties."
One thing James quickly ruled out was another run at party leadership.
"I've had lots of people very kindly put my name forward and give me calls and encourage me to put my name back in, but that's a very easy answer - no," she said. "I loved my time there, but I don't look back, I look ahead."
