PETERS: ‘Big tent’ parties sound good in theory, but are tough to maintain in practice

Take the BC Conservatives — who have, since absorbing a raft of BC United refugees last year, proclaimed themselves to be coexisting harmoniously under the aforementioned big tent.

It wasn’t long before three MLAs on the far right side couldn’t coexist and set off as independents.

Two eventually formed a new party — a much smaller ideological tent in which no one should express discomfort with their extreme views.

This week, Elenore Sturko from the other side of the tent was ousted — and there may be more socially progressive voices who follow her.

A party needs two factors to make the ‘big tent’ work.

First, it needs a strong and respected leader who sets out clear parameters for debate within the party.

There can be plenty of disagreement behind closed doors but ultimately, everyone needs to be rowing the boat in the same direction.

Second, a big tent party needs some realistic shot at power.

That’s what all politicians at this level are looking for. If you don’t have power, you don’t have a chance to enact all the policies you have been pitching.

A big tent party can hum along for a good long time if it is in power.

Think of the BC Liberals from the turn of the millennium until about 10 years ago.

The BC Liberals under Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark had far fewer internal disruptions than they could have because they were in power and, for much of their time in government, the NDP opposition showed no serious signs of unseating them.

The opportunity to govern can render internal disputes inconsequential.

Come to think of it, the same thing is happening with David Eby’s NDP right now.

The NDP is another big tent party, having absorbed much of the political centre as the BC Liberals began to self-destruct a decade ago.

Safely in the seat of power, we are hearing very little internal bickering coming to the surface within the NDP.

That won’t last forever.

There will be plenty of discomfort with the scale of economic and social problems this government is overseeing.

While NDP loyalists may be chortling now at the upheaval in the Conservative ranks, it won’t be long before they are experiencing something similar themselves.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters

PETERS: ‘Big tent’ parties sound good in theory, but are tough to maintain in practice

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