'Disgusting': Queen's Park reacts to election spending

Also: Privatization incoming, Onley remembered, major staff moves, booze and bail news

ABOVE THE FOLD

The Ford government will reveal hotly-anticipated plans for more publicly-funded surgeries at private clinics and #onpoli remembers DAVID ONLEY — but first, Queen’s Park insiders react to our explosive scoop from last week laying out campaign spending. Here’s what they had to say:

— “Liberal old guard always gets their pound of flesh — but it’s nothing crazy. Wildest part is NDP spend,” said one veteran campaign manager, noting New Democrats coughed up the biggest chunk of change — $13 million — to lose nine seats, but hang on to Official Opposition status.

— When it came to big payouts to Grit consultants, one high-ranking Liberal put it simply: “Disgusting.”

— “I’m in the wrong profession. I need to tell people to wear vests in late May,” quipped another senior Grit insider and sitting politician, pointing to the $13,425 paid to a style and image consultant. They’re not the only ones poking fun at STEVEN DEL DUCA’s wardrobe: