Snobike Mike
Banned
In a major blow to Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak that could change the complexion of Ontario’s Legislature, Tory MPP Frank Klees has broken ranks to run for speaker.
“Frank’s Frank,” a visibly miffed Hudak told reporters Tuesday.
“It’s disappointing and it’s surprising to a lot of us.”
Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath had said neither of their parties would field candidates forcing the Grits to nominate a speaker.
“It’s rather obvious that this makes things a lot more challenging,” the PC leader said.
The stunning move means the 54-53 advantage the Tories and New Democrats enjoyed over the governing Liberals could be in jeopardy. That’s because the speaker traditionally votes with the status quo and is unlikely to topple the government.
In effect, Premier Dalton McGuinty’s Liberals could govern as a majority if Klees becomes speaker.
Klees finished second to Hudak in the 2009 leadership contest and the two men have never been close.
Tories were furious at what they see as Klees’ undermining of the caucus.
“This is the equivalent of crossing the floor,” fumed one MPP, warning no Tories would vote for their colleague as speaker.
“The Liberals better support him, because Frank doesn’t have a lot friends in our caucus today,” the MPP said.
Klees informed Hudak of his decision Monday, but sources told the Star he actually called Horwath before his own leader.
“Frank’s Frank,” a visibly miffed Hudak told reporters Tuesday.
“It’s disappointing and it’s surprising to a lot of us.”
Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath had said neither of their parties would field candidates forcing the Grits to nominate a speaker.
“It’s rather obvious that this makes things a lot more challenging,” the PC leader said.
The stunning move means the 54-53 advantage the Tories and New Democrats enjoyed over the governing Liberals could be in jeopardy. That’s because the speaker traditionally votes with the status quo and is unlikely to topple the government.
In effect, Premier Dalton McGuinty’s Liberals could govern as a majority if Klees becomes speaker.
Klees finished second to Hudak in the 2009 leadership contest and the two men have never been close.
Tories were furious at what they see as Klees’ undermining of the caucus.
“This is the equivalent of crossing the floor,” fumed one MPP, warning no Tories would vote for their colleague as speaker.
“The Liberals better support him, because Frank doesn’t have a lot friends in our caucus today,” the MPP said.
Klees informed Hudak of his decision Monday, but sources told the Star he actually called Horwath before his own leader.
