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Tory's political future unclear

The Canadian Press

December 19, 2008 at 11:45 AM EST

Globe and Mail

TORONTO — John Tory still won't admit if he has given up on his self-imposed deadline of finding a seat in the legislature by year's end.

The Progressive Conservative leader has been unable to persuade one of his 25 caucus members to step aside so he can run in their riding since he failed to win a seat in the 2007 provincial election.

The embattled leader leaves today for a two-week trip to Africa, and says he'll meet with reporters when he returns early in January.

His office issued a statement saying his plans will be finalized between now and the end of the year but won't be made public until Jan. 9.

Late Thursday, Mr. Tory refused to comment when asked directly if he would stay on as leader without a seat in the legislature.

He admitted the seat search had become a distraction for his Opposition Tories.

Mr. Tory's office insists a report that he intends to stay and not worry about finding a seat until a suitable riding becomes available is “inaccurate.”