With MP Karen Vecchio announcing earlier this month she will not seek re-election, myFM is following up on a credible email dealing with the potential nomination process.
According to the correspondence, party officials intend to parachute a candidate into the riding instead of following the usual nomination process.
The writer suggests party insiders intend to nominate Andrew Lawton, who declared his intention to run the day after Vecchio told myFM she will step away after this term.
Lawton is a former London radio broadcaster, managing editor of the True North media outlet and author.
Lawton ran provincially in 2018 in London West and lost by 15,000 votes to the NDP’s Peggy Sattler.
We spoke with Elgin-St. Thomas-London South Conservative association president Rainey Weisler for clarification.
According to the correspondence, potential nominees are being told not to waste their time as party officials already have a candidate lined up.
myFM asked Weisler for her recommendation.
She adds if the party bypasses the nomination process and declares Lawton the Conservative candidate for Elgin-St. Thomas-London South in the next federal election, then “that is concerning.”
In the meantime, Weisler notes potential candidates can reach out to her at 519-983-2282 or visit https://www.eslscpc.ca/ for a nomination package.
myFM has reached out to party officials for comment.
