Liberal Leadership convention scheduled for January
Posted October 21, 2012 4:05 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Premier Dalton McGuinty’s replacement will be chosen in January.
The Ontario Liberal Party announced on Sunday that a Leadership convention will take place on the weekend of Jan. 25, 2013.
On Oct. 15, McGuinty announced he will be stepping down as Liberal Leader and proroguing the legislature. He said he would serve as premier until the party names his successor at a leadership convention “at the earliest possible opportunity.”
McGuinty has been Ontario Liberal Leader for the past 16 years, and premier for nine.
There has been no official word on who will replace McGuinty however Ontario Housing Minister Kathleen Wynne and Health Minister Deb Matthews are considered to be likely contenders, along with Energy Minister Chris Bentley and Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid.
John Wilkinson, the former environment and revenue minister who lost his seat in last year’s election, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate, as have former ministers George Smitherman and Sandra Pupatello.
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan has also said he is seriously considering the leadership bid.
One candidate who will not be looking to take over is Ontario Liberal party president Yasir Naqvi. On Sunday, Naqvi said that he will not be throwing his hat into the ring due to family responsibilities.
With files from The Canadian Press
