Doug Ford named new Ontario Progressive Conservative party leader
MARKHAM, Ont. — A heated battle for the reins of Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives that exposed deep rifts within the party continued to smolder even after Doug Ford was crowned the new leader on Saturday.
Party president Jag Badwal announced the results seven hours later than scheduled, saying the former Toronto city councillor had narrowly eked out a win over former provincial legislator Christine Elliott on the third ballot.
But Elliott, who had made her third bid to lead the party, released a statement early Sunday morning alleging there had been “serious irregularities” in the vote and vowing to investigate further.
Her comments came after the party said it had reviewed certain aspects of the vote and cleared all issues before announcing Ford’s victory.