Tory’s career in public life began when ran and lost against Toronto Mayor David Miller in 2003.
Tory's By-election Loss
When John Tory first won the Progressive Conservative (P.C.) Party leadership in 2005, he ran in the riding previously held by his predecessor Ernie Eves.
In the 2007 Provincial election, he chose to run in his own Toronto riding of Don-Valley West against Kathleen Wynne. Observers say he lost the election because of his controversial stand in favour of Faith-based education.
He lost, and was without a seat until Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament) Laurie Scott stepped aside in January. The riding was considered a party stronghold, but many residents and those within the P.C. party resented Tory’s presence as an outsider.
The Liberal candidate was school-board chairman for the area, and backed by party resources won by 906 votes, taking 44% of the popular vote. Tory took 41%. Tory’s resignation effective once an interim leader was found.
Although his resignation is imminent, Tory found time to confront Premier Dalton McGuinty on his handling of the economy. In comments from his speech published on cbc.ca he went after McGuinty urging him to do something about it: “Give people a sense of hope by doing something now, and no just saying you’re going to.”
Tory has no regrets, saying in comments published on 680.com: “I worked hard, and I focused as I always have on maintaining my honesty and integrity along with a thoughtful approach to the issues.”
McGuinty issued a statement thanking Tory for his dedication, and commitment to Ontario. He also congratulated Liberal candidate Rick Johnson on his victory.
John Tory's Future
Tory’s past jobs include positions with the Canadian Football League (CFL) and Rogers Communications. It’s rumoured he’s considering a run against David Miller in the upcoming 2010 municipal election, a possibility which, he denied. Whatever happens now, he says he’s not one to sit on a beach sipping a tropical drink. Instead, he wants a job where he can help people.
His party meanwhile has to proceed with choosing his replacement. Rumoured successors include Niagara area MPP Tim Hudak- a past cabinet minister under Premiers Harris and Eves, and Christine Elliott; wife of Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.
Flaherty himself has been touted as a possible successor. In comments published by the Canadian Press he firmly stated his disinterest: “I’m not interested, nor will I be interested.” When asked if his wife was interested in the position, he simply told reporters they would have to ask her. Other possibilities mentioned include former broadcaster Peter Shurman, and federal Industry Minister Tony Clement.
John Tory’s resignation takes affect when the party chooses an interim leader, something not expected for sometime.
