5 things to know about Doug Ford

Doug Ford has been named the new leader of Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives. Here are five things to know about the new Tory leader:

Family ties

Ford entered the leadership race with a high degree of name recognition thanks mostly to his status as the brother of Rob Ford, the late scandal-plagued former mayor of Toronto.

Political background

Ford’s political resume boasts a single term as a Toronto city councillor from 2010 to 2014. Much of that time was spent championing his brother’s pledges to cut waste.

Business experience

Ford has frequently touted his business acumen developed during his time at Deco Labels and Tags, the family-owned business that made the Fords wealthy. Ford oversaw Deco’s operations both before and after his time at city hall and orchestrated the company’s expansion into the United States.

Populist voice

Ford launched his leadership bid by declaring the party had lost touch with grassroots members and been co-opted by elites.

Policy positions

He has made proclamations geared toward the more socially conservative factions of the party membership. He has criticized the Liberals’ sex education curriculum, voiced his opposition to abortion and said he’d allow caucus members to vote with their conscience.