From the venue to the song he chose for his big entrance on stage, Doug Ford showed at his campaign kickoff event that he wants to make a splash in the PC party leadership race.
A few hundred "Ford Nation" supporters filled a room at the Toronto Congress Centre Saturday night, as the former councillor launched his effort to replace Patrick Brown as the party's new leader.
Brown resigned last month after sexual misconduct allegations were made against him.
The party has decided to choose a new leader on March 10, just three months before the provincial election.
The stage is set for Doug Ford’s PC leadership campaign kickoff tonight at the Toronto Congress Centre. #onpoli pic.twitter.com/WzjqlIH9u4
— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) February 3, 2018
With "Eye of the Tiger" blasting out of the speakers, Ford entered the stage at his kickoff rally to a cheering crowd, many of whom said they have been Ford Nation supporters since his late brother Rob Ford's days at Toronto city hall.
He touched on his platform to keep taxes low, and promised that he will not introduce a carbon tax.
"If the prime minister wants to try to make us, I'll tell the prime minister, well, just the same way his father said it, 'just watch me.' "
Doors open at Ford’s kickoff rally. About 500 people are here so far to hear him speak. #onpoli pic.twitter.com/T9rmYGfvxS
— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) February 4, 2018
Ford reminded his supporters that they have to sign up as PC party members in order to vote for him as leader in March. Several tables were set up in the lobby, with Ford supporters lining up to pay their membership fee.
A row of tables set up at Ford’s kickoff ... with Ford Nation supporters signing up as PC party members. pic.twitter.com/KVcZvabMh5
— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) February 3, 2018
"Tonight, I signed up for PC (membership) because I know that he will be able to carry everyone along, whether PC or not," one supporter said, adding that he has normally voted Liberal in previous provincial elections.
Former MPP Christine Elliott has also announced she is running for PC party leader. Caroline Mulroney and Rod Phillips are also expected to join the race.
Nephew and councillor Michael Ford kicks things off at the Ford rally pic.twitter.com/gqoezz5NgH
— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) February 4, 2018