Ontario PCs reject Vikram Singh’s candidacy for HWAD nomination

Dundas lawyer Vikram Singh, who took the Ontario Progressive Conservative party to court over alleged irregularities in last spring’s Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas riding nomination contest, was denied a second attempt to take part in the race.

Party officials rejected Singh’s application be a candidate for the riding renomination scheduled for April 15 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds.

“We gave it our best shot and I look forward to continue volunteering in the community,” said Singh in a statement.

He thanked his volunteers and supporters who “dedicated their time and energy.

Singh added, “I remain committed to Hamilton, this is my home and the soil that raised me,” said Singh.

Party officials did not return messages seeking comment.

The nomination contest will be between Ben Levitt, who was declared the winner of last year’s contest, and Vincent Samuels, who was the Hamilton regional co-ordinator for the Doug Ford Tory leadership contest.

Jobson Easow, who finished fourth last year, withdraw from the race Monday afternoon and threw his support behind Levitt.

“I believe Ben Levitt deserves the credit for working hard and knocking doors for the past 10 months in HWAD,” Eason said in a statement. “I know it's a lot of hard work.”

Levitt indicated to The Hamilton Spectator he was confident, but did not want to predict victory at this point because his team has “lots of work to do this week.” Levitt and the Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas Tory riding association called on party officials to hold another nomination in February after allegations of voting issues. The renomination will be contested as Hamilton police continue an investigation of last year’s nomination race.