Former B.C. Tory runs for president of the party

SALMON ARM, B.C. – A Salmon Arm man who ran for the BC Conservatives during the provincial election in May is seeking a higher profile within the party.

Tom Birch, who was the provincial Tories’ Shuswap candidate, says he will be running for party president at their annual general meeting next month in Vernon.

Birch, who works for a forestry software company, says he disagrees with some analysts who feel the Conservatives will never be a legitimate contender in B.C. politics.

The Conservatives had a dismal showing at May’s election, winning only 4.8 per cent of the popular vote, despite having enjoyed a surge in popularity when dissatisfaction with the BC Liberals grew.

Former party leader John Cummins resigned last month, and at least one person, former Nechako-Lakes candidate and BC Conservative party director Dan Brooks, has already said he intends to seek the leadership.

Members will choose a new leader next April.(CKIZ)