SCOOP: Conflict in Thornhill

Plus: Yurek's swan song, Housing Minister staffs up, Ford meets with nurses, convoy incoming

ABOVE THE FOLD

LAURA SMITH wound up getting the job she was seeking to fill.

The Progressive Conservative contender for Thornhill was forced to recuse herself because, as the local riding association’s president, she was in charge of the candidate search process — then ended up getting that gig herself, Queen’s Park Observer has learned.

Smith was officially nominated as the PC’s election candidate this week. Photo: PC Party

Smith’s nomination comes as some PC insiders with connections to the riding suggest her candidacy wouldn’t have “passed the smell test” because there was a possible conflict of interest. Per the nomination rulebook, if a member of the candidate search committee has a conflict because they are a potential or green-lit candidate themselves, they have to step away from the nomination process. The party maintains all rules were followed — but isn’t offering any specifics.

“We do not discuss internal party matters but are pleased to welcome Laura Smith as our candi…