Parliamentary Assistants, chiefs of staff on deck

Plus: Mikey Ford spin, NDP leadership details incoming, LMAC down but not out, OSC chair prompts exodus, LG's wine picks, staff moves

ABOVE THE FOLD

Premier DOUG FORD is taking heat for appointing his rookie MPP nephew to cabinet while ex-front-bencher LISA MACLEOD took Friday’s unveiling ceremony as opportunity to announce her health struggles — but first, I’ve got a tidbit on when to expect Parliamentary Assistants and chiefs of staff to be announced.

First in Queen’s Park Observer — Sources tell me Ford was expected to sign off on the new PAs as early as Friday afternoon, shortly after he unveiled the new(ish) executive council. An announcement could come as soon as today.

Meanwhile, the Ministers’ chiefs of staff are being finalized — and rumour has it that as with cabinet, there won’t be many changes. Health Minister SYLVIA JONES is expected to keep working with CHRISTINE ELLIOTT’s chief HEATHER WATT.

FORD FALLOUT, AND SPIN — Keeping it in the family and appointing his rookie MPP nephew MICHAEL FORD to cabinet isn’t sitting well with some critics. Pressed on the decision — which is being called everything from …