| John Cummins, BC Conservative Party Leader |
“I’m
not going anywhere,” declares BC Conservative leader John Cummins … to which
the overwhelming majority of party members have clearly said … “We support you”
Over the weekend the BC Conservative Party issued a media release saying that party dissidents had two days to either get in line or resign their membership in the BC Conservative Party.
Over the weekend the BC Conservative Party issued a media release saying that party dissidents had two days to either get in line or resign their membership in the BC Conservative Party.
It
quoted John Cummins saying; “I am unwavering in my
dedication to the BC Conservatives, and fully intend to lead my party into the
next general election. Those few but
vocal party members who are critical of my leadership and do not support me
have until 12:00 noon, Wednesday, to either get on-side or quit our party and
join another.”
| BC Conservative Party President Al Siebring |
Al
Siebring, newly elected President of the BC Conservatives said that … the party encouraged open discussion and a
diversity of opinion … however he also indicated that … the leadership issue had been settled by
party members at the annual general meeting.
Party
President Al Siebring went on to take a firm stand saying, “I simply will not allow
our party to be distracted by a handful of dissidents who will not abide by the
majority’s decision, and personally will take all appropriate measures after noon
Wednesday to ensure that we are united behind our leader.”
Rather than smacking of desperation, as
suggested in a CBC NEWS story, it showed party leadership is continuing to take measured steps to the situation.
The CBC news story included
the comments of Political Scientist Hamish Telford:
"What really struck me is the authoritarian tone … this is a
North Korea kind of thing right, you know Kim Jong Il and demanding personal
loyalty to the leader. This is very unusual.
Subversion of the democratic process.”
I have to say that I for one am greatly puzzled by that statement, and comparison.
I have to say that I for one am greatly puzzled by that statement, and comparison.