Article content

Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives came into power promising open and transparent government that would end inappropriate political interference in decision-making.

Now they’re accused of doing the very things they said they would clean up in the selection of Ford family friend and veteran Toronto Police Supt. Ron Taverner as the new head of the Ontario Provincial Police.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or EDITORIAL: OPP controversy damages Doug Ford's brand Back to video

Interim OPP Commissioner Brad Blair, who was competing for the top job, has accused Ford of interfering in the hiring process, including modifying the original qualifications, so Taverner could qualify for the OPP post.

He also said the premier’s chief of staff told the OPP to hire a specific contractor to provide a security vehicle for the premier,and that the cost of it and several modifications should be “kept off the books.”

Ford has denied Blair’s allegations, attributing them to “sour grapes” in not being selected as commissioner.