Wannabe Grit leaders gear up
Also: Fresh leaks and lawsuits in the Hammer, fundraising watch, a bunch of appointees
ABOVE THE FOLD
INSIDERS DISH ON GRIT LEADERS — With the NDP locking in MARIT STILES for leader next month, drama-hungry politicos are turning their attention to the Liberal leadership contest, which is heating up in earnest.
While it could be months before the race officially kicks off (we’re expecting details — including a timeline and rules — at the party’s convention in March) wannabe contenders are kicking their as-yet-unofficial bids into high gear.
Case in point: NATE ERSKINE-SMITH — the federal Liberal MP for Beaches—East York who hasn’t exactly toed the party line — is kicking his “exploratory” bid for provincial leader up a notch this week, continuing his tour across the province. Stops include a social in Niagara, pub nights in Waterloo and Barrie, and a regional event in Etobicoke.
It comes after our scoop about Erskine-Smith soliciting donations and launching a campaign website.
He’s also been reaching out to Liberal o…