SCOOP: Adil Shamji assembles a crack team

And another Friday news dump

ABOVE THE FOLD

First in Observer — SHAMJI’S IN — And then there were five. ADIL SHAMJI is poised to jump into the Liberal leadership race this week.

RSVP: The rookie MPP for Don Valley East and former ER physician is making an “important announcement” today and hosting a “special event” at the Rally pub on O’Connor Drive on his home turf Saturday afternoon. Invite.

Shamji and fellow leadership hopefuls in the hot seat with hot wings at a U of T Liberals event. Photo: @ShamjiAdil

Who’s who: Shamji has assembled a campaign dream team, including local and longtime party stalwarts. That includes:

Campaign manager PATRICK SMITH, who is no stranger to running — and winning — in Don Valley East. Smith managed now-MP MICHAEL COTEAU’s campaign for MPP, as well as that of his successor, Shamji. He’s also the former president of the local Willowdale riding association.

NATALIE HART, a former contender for Ontario Liberal Party president who lost to KATHRYN McGARRY, is deputy campaign manager for fi…