Unofficial kickoff in Milton

And DM enters, chief of staff exits

Presented by Ontario’s Universities

ABOVE THE FOLD

STATE OF PLAY — Word on the street is that ZEESHAN HAMID will fly the PC banner in the upcoming byelection in Milton.

Tory sources wouldn’t confirm or deny Hamid’s candidacy, which the Hill Times is also reporting. Hamid promised to call me, but I didn’t hear back before publishing (if you’re reading this Zee, my line is wide open!).

The seat was put into play when PARM GILL, who was also Premier DOUG FORD’s Red Tape Reduction Minister, stepped down to run for federal Leader PIERRE POILIEVRE. Early rumours suggested the PCs were hoping for high-profile contender and ex-MP LISA RAITT, who has since poured cold water on the notion.

Enter Hamid, a former regional councillor who ran for mayor of Milton and is currently the VP of engineering at Sensei Labs. Hamid may be well-known locally, but not every PCer thinks he’d be the best candidate, noting his mayoral bid was endorsed by the Liberal MP, ADAM VAN KOEVERDEN.

“No way that Hamid is a…