March 29, 2024

Faction opposing John Cummins cuts him some slack ahead of crucial vote

After the defection of John Martin and just ahead of the BC Conservative party’s AGM the faction looking to unseat John Cummins is now striking a more conciliatory tone.

 Ben Besler is heading up a slate of candidates for the party’s board called Friends of the BC Conservative party.

 Besler is also pushing for a yes vote in a leadership review which could remove Cummins as leader.

 But when asked what happens if Cummins survives the leadership review Besler had this to say.

  “The slate that I am with the friends of the BC Conservative party can work with John Cummins or any other leader we want to build a party that can move forward and govern British Columbia regardless of the leader that is at the helm I think our vision is a little more inclusive and expansive.”

 Besler says the BC Tories are not in crisis.

  “I don’t see it as a storm that is brewing that is out of control I just see it as there have been concerns within the party structure and they need to be addressed in a calm..in a calm manner.”

 Besler was asked if his faction has met with the lone BC Conservative MLA John van Dongen.

 “John he is pretty neutral at this point that is about the extent of it he is just very neutral.”
 
 When asked if his group is backing someone as a leadership candidate should a leadership race be triggered, Besler replied.

  “I see it as an internal matter at this time and we will have to see what the membership decides at the AGM the other flip side to that of course is if John Cummins is the only person standing he is going to have a stronger mandate to move forward.”

 A vote of 50% plus one would trigger an automatic leadership race for the provincial tories.

 The party says results of the leadership review vote will be released just after 12pm on Saturday at the Langley AGM.

CKNW Vancouver News

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