There will be a secret ballot vote at the next British Columbia New Democratic Party convention in 2011 on whether or not to have a leadership convention, according to a motion that passed with broad support this morning.

Headed into the convention some said this was a housekeeping motion correcting an oversight, while others suggested it is laying the groundwork to replace leader Carole James.

James spoke in favour of the motion.

Also this morning Moe Sihota was elected president of the party and federal NDP leader Jack Layton delivered a speech that stressed the importance of fighting climate change, supporting education and defeating the HST.

Organizers announced there are 621 delegates at the convention, which is roughly the same as the 606 who attended the party's 2007 convention.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.