Ford denies Hillier´s allegations of `possible illegal and unregistered lobbying´ at Queen´s Park
(The Star Travel)

Premier Doug Ford is angrily denying a former Progressive Conservative MPP’s allegations that there is “possible illegal and unregistered lobbying� by his inner circle.With the opposition New Democrats urging the Ontario Provincial Police to investigate claims made by maverick MPP Randy Hillier, the premier was on the defensive Tuesday.“There’s absolutely no truth to any of the allegations. The accusations are absolutely ridiculous,� Ford thundered in the legislature under aggressive questioning from NDP MPP Taras Natyshak.In a letter to his constituents Monday, Hillier, who was expelled from the PC caucus last week, said he was turfed for “raising concerns of possible illegal and unregistered lobbying by close friends and advisers employed by Premier Ford.� The Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston MPP, who was not available for comment Tuesday, has provided no specifics about the alleged improper lobbying.Ford, who has been under fire since the Star first disclosed that the Tories asked lobbyists to peddle tickets to his $1,250-a-ticket fundraiser last month, countered that NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is herself holding an $800-a-head fundraiser this Saturday.Read more:Opinion | Martin Regg Cohn: How Doug Ford became Ontario’s empathy premierNDP wants OPP to investigate Hillier’s accusations of improper lobbying by Ford friends, advisersHillier says suspension from Tory caucus was over clashes with Ford advisers“They sent out an email: ‘Come and join the leader of the NDP, Andrea Horwath, for $800. It’s an open bar.’ And you actually get a reward. That is what it said in the letter: You will get a reward by having access to her highness,� he said, taunting Horwath.But the premier appeared rattled when Natyshak (Essex) cited Hillier’s letter, which mentions Ford’s chief of staff Dean French and Chris Froggatt, head of the Tory election readiness committee.“The member f ...