Beaches/East York MPP Michael Prue formally announced that he would be running for the leadership of the Ontario NDP. On July 18, Prue returned to his childhood neighbourhood in Regent Park and declared that he would be a contender for the leader of the party at the provincial convention in March in Hamilton.

Since the NDP has adopted a new rule where each member will have a vote in the race, Prue’s first task will be to get people to sign up for the party.

He also has a lot of fundraising to do. The Ontario NDP will allow each candidate for the leadership to raise $500,000 for the fight. That is a huge war chest compared to other leadership races.

Prue, who has served the area as councillor, Mayor (for East York) and, since 2001, as MPP will undoubted face other candidates. Toronto/Greenwood MPP Peter Tabuns is also expected to declare his intention to run.