Toronto MPP Vincent Ke leaves the Progressive Conservative Party caucuses to sit as an independent amid allegations of involvement in China’s election interference during the 2019 federal election.
In a statement to CTV News Toronto on Friday night, Prime Minister Doug Ford’s office offered Mr Ke, who represents Don Valley North in Queen’s Park, to leave the caucuses “with due caution”. Confirmed.
“Though the allegations against Mr. Ke are unproven, they are serious and deserve close attention as Mr. Ke is doing everything in his power to clear his name,” the statement said.
“The prime minister agreed and immediately accepted his resignation.”
On Friday, Global News reported Ke’s alleged involvement in China’s election interference during the 2019 federal elections. CTV News Toronto has yet to independently confirm the allegations.
Ke’s resignation comes hours after Ford announced that the MPP would take over as chairman of the Standing Committee on Social Policy.
“Global News’ claims about me are false and defamatory, but I don’t want to distract the government or deprive Prime Minister Ford of the good work he is doing for Ontario.
“Therefore, I am stepping away from the PC Caucus to clear my name and take time to represent my voters.”
Ke served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018.
