Tory turmoil

And Ford's foot-in-mouth moments

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ABOVE THE FOLD

Premier DOUG FORD is in hot water with critics, but still cracking jokes as Oppo turns up the fire. But first — there’s been lots of spicy reaction to this week’s scoop on the PC Party executive director’s unceremonious firing.

Said one PC insider who’s led several local campaigns: “It sounds like GARETH NEILSON’s exit reflects the leader [DOUG FORD]’s preference for putting a loyalist in the job — someone more in line with his direction, much like [ex-exec director] DAVID GARLAND. That could explain why Gareth didn’t last.

“From what I saw working with him, he was laying the groundwork the party would need heading into the next campaign. In politics, you’re always gearing up for the next fight, whether it’s a byelection or a snap general.”

And the shade: “Just look at the Ontario Liberals, they’re a mess today and it’s because they failed to prep before and after 2018.”

Why it matters: Executive directors are crucial to a political p…