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Earlier this week, the Liberals declared an “electoral urgency” in the riding, allowing party leadership to take over the organization of nomination meetings. Riding president Julia Metus said Friday she hopes the move won’t stop riding members from “an opportunity to vote for the nominee they want to run.”

“If there was a coronation of sorts, then that would be disappointing,” she said, adding that she had been given no reason to fear interference with the nomination process. At least four others plan to challenge for the candidacy, Ms. Metus said.

In an interview with CP24 Thursday, Mr. Vaughan was clear that he had not yet been awarded the Liberal nomination.

“The first election I have to contest to win is the nomination,” he said. “I’ve got to reach out to members … and explain to them why this change is a good one.”

Mr. Vaughan’s choice to leave municipal politics comes after two terms at city hall, where he has often been at odds with the mayor. Earlier this year, he was passed over for a spot on the mayor’s cabinet-like executive committee.

Mr. Vaughan could not be reached Friday.

A date for the byelection has not been set.

National Post