The state of play in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex

And contingency? No, money down!

ABOVE THE FOLD

BYELECTION WATCH — 2024 is already shaping up to be a busy year at the Pink Palace, and one of the first major defining events will be the race to replace former Labour minister MONTE McNAUGHTON.

The lay of the land: Lambton-Kent-Middlesex has long been PC territory. McNaughton handily held the Southwestern seat since 2011, but before that, the Liberals reigned supreme. Even earlier, when the riding was created, it was Tory Blue.

That’s why the seat is the PCs to lose, and, unlike 2023’s byelections in Hamilton, Ottawa, Kitchener and (to a lesser extent) Scarborough, they’re the first out of the gate when it comes to securing a candidate.

Enter STEVE PINSONNEAULT, a local councillor in Chatham-Kent and a business owner in Thamesville, who’s the only contender seeking the PC nod to run so far. Unless other nomination seekers come forward, Pinsonneault would reportedly become the party’s candidate at the end of January. If he wins, he would have a good shot at a spot on th…