VICTORIA (NEWS1130)  – Opposing factions are taking sides over John Cummins‘ leadership of the B.C. Conservative Party ahead of the party’s annual general meeting this Saturday.

A group calling itself Friends of the Conservative Party is running a seven-member slate for the party’s executive positions and wants a review of Cummins leadership.

The group called Friends of John Cummins formed earlier, supporting Cummins and is urging members to reject a vote that would see Cummins leadership reviewed.

Conservative Party member Ben Besler says he’s running for party president as part of the Friends of BC Conservative Party slate.

Besler is one of several party members who have been calling for Conservatives to vote in favour of a leadership review, which would force Cummins to step down immediately and launch a leadership contest.

Cummins says he expects party members to turn down the leadership review option and believes the Conservatives will emerge from the weekend strong, united and ready to take on Premier Christy Clark’s Liberals.