B.C. Tory infighting continues as leader tells dissidents to quit or get on side

VANCOUVER – The leader of the divided BC Conservative Party has issued an ultimatum to members critical of his leadership.

John Cummins says he’s told party dissidents they have two days to either support him or resign.

Cummins issued a news release Sunday saying the party will refund the membership fees of any person who quits the party by noon on Wednesday.

He says the party will also return any financial donations made within the last year.

More than 70 per cent of the party voted against a review for Cummins at their September convention, although the Tories’ only sitting MLA quit the party in protest.

At the time, Cummins said no leader can expect 100 per cent support and stated he was satisfied with the results.

Party President Al Siebring says he refuses to allow a “handful” of dissidents distract the party as they head toward the May 2013 election.