Mike Farnworth, responding to questions about membership sign-up disputes in the NDP leadership race, says there should be an assessment of the possibility of having Elections BC monitor all political processes, including party leaderships and nominations.
The former NDP cabinet minister, who is among six candidates for the leadership of the BC New Democrats, raised the possibility in a statement issued Thursday.
Four of six leadership campaigns have raised concerns about thousands of new memberships delivered to party headquarters by the Monday cutoff time for such memberships ahead of the April. 17 leadership vote. There have been allegations that bulk memberships violated the party's own rules. However, the party has decided to process the memberships despite the allegations.
"Yesterday was a difficult day for all New Democrats. Once again, our focus has been drawn away from our common goal of selecting a progressive and responsive government," Mr. Farnworth said in his statement.
He said he will abide by the party's decision on memberships, but that, as leader, he would never again have a process that "casts doubt upon the integrity of our party," but would instead have a comprehensive review of the leadership process and membership rules.
"This will include the consideration of having Elections BC monitor all British Columbia's political processes, including party memberships and nominations."