The new B.C. NDP leader will replace outgoing party leader Carole James, who stepped down amid party dissent earlier this month. (CBC)

The B.C. NDP provincial council has voted to hold a leadership election in April.

"British Columbians are ready for a change from the reckless policies of the B.C. Liberals, and New Democrats are moving forward with our leadership election," Jan O'Brien, provincial secretary of the B.C. NDP, said in a written release.

"It's an exciting time to be a New Democrat in British Columbia, and we're looking forward to a competitive leadership election."

A leadership assembly will take place on April 17 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

The leadership election comes after party leader Carole James ended her struggle with a dissident caucus faction and resigned earlier this month.

Several B.C. NDP leadership contenders have expressed interest in the job, including Fraser-Nicola MLA Harry Lali and Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain MLA Mike Farnworth, but no one has formally entered the leadership race.

It's expected the NDP provincial council will select an interim leader in early 2011.

'Key step' in leadership election process

Members of the B.C. NDP will be able to vote via telephone or internet during the leadership assembly, or via advance voting.

Individuals must be members of the B.C. NDP for 90 days prior to the election day in order to be eligible to vote in the leadership race.

"Setting the date and location for the leadership election is a key step in the leadership election process," O'Brien said.

"Over the coming weeks we will continue to develop a comprehensive set of rules to govern the election, and we will ensure that this leadership election is run in a fair, transparent, and accessible manner."

On Friday, the B.C. Liberals announced party members will use either phone or online voting when they chose a new leader on Feb. 26.