Will Expelled MPP Cost the NDP Their Riding?
Removed from caucus, Michael Mantha is pulling just enough as an independent to act as spoiler
A deadlocked race for Algoma-Manitoulin. Image courtesy votewell.ca
In August 2023, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha was expelled from the NDP caucus following an independent investigation into serious allegations of inappropriate workplace behaviour. Since that time, he has continued in the Queen’s Park seat, serving as an Independent.
Judging by the latest polls in the current Ontario election, Mantha won’t be returning to Queen’s Park to represent the huge North Shore riding, but he just may spoil it for the candidate who took over the NDP nomination. NDP candidate David Timeriski is currently running neck and neck with PC candidate (and Thessalon mayor) Bill Rosenberg, with 37% and 38% of the vote respectively. Mantha holds a significant 9%, just behind the Ontario Liberal’s Reg Niganobe (10%), while Green Party candidate Maria Legault trails at 4%.
Algoma-Manitoulin electoral map courtesy elections.on.ca
One would think former NDP voters who supported Mantha in the last election would make sure the riding stays orange by switching to their party’s new official candidate, but it seems, in polling at least, there are enough Mantha loyalists out there to throw the riding to the governing PC party.
Voters in Algoma-Manitoulin, if they haven’t already voted in advance polls or by mail, have one more night to sleep on their decision.
Shore Report was able to interview both Liberal, Reg Niganobe and NDP, David Timeriski. All other Algoma-Manitoulin candidates did not respond to requests.