And the new NDP leader is...
Also: Ford's blame game, CUPE's deal or no deal, the final legislative stretch
ABOVE THE FOLD
NDP WINNER-TAKES-ALL — There’s a new sheriff in town — and her name is MARIT STILES.
The two-term MPP for Davenport and longtime Education critic is poised to be acclaimed as the next leader of the Official Opposition, as no opponent has yet emerged by today’s deadline.
Why it matters: A leadership contest is a big headline-grabbing and money-making opportunity for any political party. The buzz and excitement has the power to pull in new members, more cash and plenty of media coverage.
But Stiles stands alone.
A couple of rumoured contenders dropped out over the weekend — but as the clock winds down, their bowing out wasn’t so surprising. That includes MPPs WAYNE GATES and SOL MAMAKWA.
Stiles, meanwhile, scored her eighth caucus endorsement, from veteran Oshawa MPP JENNIFER FRENCH. That means roughly a third of the NDP caucus is (officially) behind Stiles. She’s also backed by the United Steelworker…