The chattering classes have been abuzz lately with the news that recently retired Delta-Richmond East MP John Cummins will be seeking the leadership of the BC Conservative Party. As reported by the Globe and Mail:
Freshly resigned former Tory MP John Cummins has announced his candidacy for the leadership of the B.C. Conservatives, hoping to revive a party that's long been on the fringe of provincial politics.
The veteran politician, who represented Delta-Richmond East in Parliament for 18 years, told dozens of cheering supporters in Vancouver he wants to give B.C. voters a real choice between the governing B.C. Liberals and the Opposition New Democrats.
For its part, the BC Conservative Party seems quite happy to have John Cummins on board. As Gary Mason writes, also in the Globe and Mail, Cummins could be just the breath of fresh(ish) air the BC Tories need: "Plenty of people would be willing to listen to a political leader in B.C. who has legitimate Conservative bona fides."
Meanwhile:
- Sean Holman at Public Eye Online notes that there were Facebook invitations sent out about Cummins' candidacy announcement a day ahead of time, and wonders if Cummins will be running against Mary Polak in Langley.
- Brian Kieran finds it odd that a man who once voted for the provincial NDP is now hoping to lead the provincial Conservatives.
- Vaughn Palmer in the Vancouver Sun speculates on whether Cummins can "overcome a maverick temperament and pull together a whole team around him."
- Michael Smyth writes in The Province on how a revived BC Conservative Party is bad for the Christy Clark Liberals.
- And finally, Alex Tsakumis on why BC Conservative Party led by John Cummins would be a better BC Conservative Party: "Cummins, who spent 17 years serving his riding with honor, will be surrounded by a new breed of young leaders that promise to finally transform the previously directionless BC Conservatives into a real contender."
The BC Conservative Party newsroom, for its part, has not been updated since March 16th. Ahem.
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