John Tory officially resigns as PC Ontario leader
John Tory will officially resign once the caucus selects an interim leader. A leadership race will take place and based on media reports it seems Tim Hudak is likely to enter the race. Christine Elliot, Frank Klees, Randy Hillier, Peter Shurman, Lisa MacLeod, Elizabeth Witmer, Laurie Scott and John Yakabuski have also been mentioned as potential candidates. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has already said he will not run for the leadership of the provincial party. Other Ontario federal MPs are possible but unlikely.
I think John Tory was a hardworker, honest and an overall good man. I think he had some strong credentials and had a lot to offer. I think he handled yesterday's defeat with class and integrity. I also feel bad for Laurie Scott who lost her spot as an MPP after a truly selfless act intended for the good for the party. I wish John all the best in his future.
A leadership process is now underway and I look forward to selecting a new leader and moving on from this situation. The economy is in peril and currently Dalton McGuinty is not facing much opposition. There is a lot of work that needs to be done in order to present a credible alternative to the Ontario Liberals in 2011. I look forward to getting on with that job.
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Thanks for reading...
-Darryl
