A war of words: Lecce vs. elementary teachers

Also: Horwath's Steeltown bid, big staff moves, Jones shows up (but you might've missed it)

ABOVE THE FOLD

GUNNING FOR STEELTOWN — It’s official: ANDREA HORWATH is returning to her political roots at Hamilton City Hall and has filed her paperwork to run for Mayor.

The former leader of the NDP, who resigned after losing nine seats and several key ridings in Ontario, also confirmed she will step down as MPP — triggering a byelection in Hamilton Centre that Premier DOUG FORD must call within six months.

Horwath is expected to resign her MPP seat just before August 19 — municipal nomination deadline day. That also means the NDP will have to pick a new Ethics critic. Horwath has also tapped KARLA WEBBER-GALLAGHER — the party’s principal secretary up until last month — to help run her mayoral bid.

Horwath’s announcement across City Hall was light on policy and platform details. She said the event was more about “letting people know” that she’s throwing her hat in the civic race and there would be plenty of time to talk about her plans ahead of the October 24 vote.

Asked if she’d li…