Bonnie backtracks, Ford's name-checked

Another staff exodus, byelection buzz and more

Presented by Real North Strategies

ABOVE THE FOLD

BONNIE CROMBIE is walking back her “right of centre” bombshell and DOUG FORD continues to haunt Toronto’s mayoral race — but first: we’ve got fresh byelection buzz.

Word on the street is that the PCs want to move quickly on the Scarborough—Guildwood byelection and the call is coming soon. Our sources say voters could go to the polls this summer, likely after Toronto’s mayoral election that’s set for June 26, which could put the byelection in July.

Timing is everything: The PCs have already locked in high-profile challenger GARY CRAWFORD, who can get a head start on the competition. Meanwhile, the Liberals — who held the territory for a decade — still seem to be scrambling to pick their candidate. Local TDSB trustee ZAKIR PATEL is hoping it’s him.

Bonus points: Crombie’s candidacy has been getting a rise out of Ford, so expect the PCs to put up an even tougher fight in the hopes of stealing a long-held Liberal seat. One Tory-connected sou…