New cabinet. New session. New 'shame.'

Plus: Cocktail chatter, welcome-back protests and what's for lunch

ABOVE THE FOLD

WELCOME BACK — MPPs kick off the fall session this morning — and if this tumultuous summer was any indication, it’s going to be a raucous ride.

Big losses: The ruling Progressive Conservatives are still smarting from the stunning Greenbelt reversal, which cost them a pair of cabinet ministers, key staffers and much popularity in the polls. Oppo critics will get their first chance to hammer the Ford government on the controversies in Question Period.

Salt in the wounds: Not only are the PCs polling in the dumps with the public, but some MPPs are feeling the pressure, too. Fresh off their caucus retreat in Niagara Falls, one Tory MPP said they felt “ashamed” over the Greenbelt debacle.

Then, on Friday, another major blow to their bench: A surprise resignation by MONTE McNAUGHTON, one of the Ford government’s relatively few amiable ministers who’s had some big wins on the Labour file.

Case in point: McNaughton, who is headed to the private sector, has made major inroads with u…