Toronto MPP Ke resigns from PC caucus

A Toronto Progressive Conservative MPP has stepped aside from the government caucus and will sit as an independent after unproven but “serious” allegations surfaced late Friday.

Don Valley North MPP Vincent Ke resigned hours after his name was made public in a Global News report that cited unnamed sources alleging ties to Beijing.

“While the allegations against Mr. Ke are not proven, they are serious and deserve his full and undivided attention as he works to clear his name,” said a statement from Premier Doug Ford’s office issued Friday evening.

“As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, Mr. Ke offered to step away from the Ontario PC caucus to sit as an independent. The premier agreed and has accepted his resignation effective immediately.”

Ke was first elected to the legislature in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

In a statement posted on social media, Ke said “while the Global News allegations about me are false and defamatory, I do not want to be a distraction to the government and take away from the good work Premier Ford is doing for the province of Ontario.

“Therefore, I will be stepping away from the PC Caucus in order to dedicate my time to clearing my name and representing my constituents.”

The resignation comes as allegations of Chinese government meddling in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections swirl.

When Ke was first named by Global News on Friday, he was removed as parliamentary assistant to the minister of public and business service delivery — though a government news release said when the legislature resumes after March break, Ke would be nominated as chair of the standing committee on social policy.

However, a few hours later, his resignation was announced.