PC contender flirts with Liberals, Grits boycott byelection

And the war on drugs

ABOVE THE FOLD

Premier DOUG FORD is facing a fresh set of accusations of patronage after appointing an ex-PC candidate to a new Ottawa office. Before we dig in, there’s more juicy buzz to be had in Milton.

First in Observer — True Grit? — We’ve already told you about PC contender ZEE HAMID’s past Liberal ties, and as it turns out, he was still flirting with them before sealing the deal with Ford’s crew.

Multiple party sources on both sides of the aisle tell me Hamid met with Liberal Leader BONNIE CROMBIE about potentially being her candidate before he was picked to run under the Tory banner.

“Hamid was one of several Liberals Bonnie met with about being the candidate in Milton,” said party spokesperson CARTER BROWNLEE. “You would have to ask Zee what Doug Ford promised him to convince him to run as a Conservative.”

I did just that: Crickets. Neither Hamid or the PC Party responded to my questions, but I will update you if they ever do.

Hamid has previously addressed his past Liberal t…