Liberal leadership watch: Crawley under early scrutiny

And Vegas of the North

ABOVE THE FOLD

MONEY TALKS, AND SO DO LIBERALS — The starter pistol for the Grit leadership race hasn’t even fired yet but the internal jockeying has already begun — and the knives are out.

As MIKE CRAWLEY emerges as a rumoured contender to replace BONNIE CROMBIE in the upcoming leadership contest — widely expected next year, though some operatives (including pollster DON GUY) are pushing for a 2027 timeline — Liberal insiders are putting his record beyond politics under some serious scrutiny.

Not to be confused with the CBC journalist of the same name, Crawley is the former president of the Liberal Party of Canada and a senior energy-sector executive, best known for his nearly decade-long run at Northland Power, including six years as president and CEO.

Among some Liberal chat rooms, that chapter is being noted for its sharp contrast: a wild boom-and-bust for shareholders, and a steady climb for Crawley’s own pay.

By the numbers: When Crawley took the top job in 2018, Northland traded a…