December 20, 2008
Robert Benzie
QUEEN'S PARK BUREAU CHIEF
Toronto Star
John Tory has delayed until Jan. 9 the formal announcement of his plan to remain at the helm of the Progressive Conservative Party.
Tory, who, weather permitting, was to leave for a two-week family reunion trip to Kenya last night, had been expected to disclose his intentions as early as yesterday.
Sources close to him disputed a Star report quoting Conservatives saying he will stay on as leader even if he does not have a seat in the Ontario Legislature.
To counter the story, Tory issued a statement obliquely suggesting that one of his 25 PC caucus members may soon be stepping aside so he could run in a by-election.
"As you know, I have been working to determine a course of action by the end of the year pursuant to which I could seek election to the Legislature," the PC leader said of his self-imposed Dec. 31 deadline for finding a vacant riding.
"Details of that course of action will be finalized between now and the end of the year," he said.
"Since I am out of the province until early in the New Year, and since the proposed resolution of this matter also involves others, we have fixed a specific date on which I will outline my plans and answer your questions."
Sources confide that Tory was privately emailing friends and supporters yesterday to say he would consult with them about his announcement on Jan. 9. Insiders insist that proves he is staying put as leader regardless of whether a seat opens up in the next three weeks.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to name 18 new senators on Monday. With two Senate vacancies from Ontario, there has been speculation that Harper may appoint a PC MPP, opening a seat.
But Global News, quoting a senior federal source, reported last night Harper has "no plans" to name an MPP to the Red Chamber.