First ballot, and the floor is aflame with speculation.
Paul Dewar did not do well—7.4% of the ballots cast. He dropped, but will not endorse anyone. Martin Singh managed to prevail over Niki Ashton (5.8% to 5.7%), and immediately threw his votes to Tom Mulcair. Ashton isn’t endorsing anyone either.
Peggy Nash won 12.8%, Brian Topp is up there with 21.3%, and, as expected, Mulcair is out in front—but with less than required to position him for eventual victory (30.2%).
Tweet of the Moment award to Warren Kinsella: “When he didn’t hit 35%, Mulcair started yelling at delegates and staff. Business as usual, in other words.” Truth is, I can’t tell if he’s funnin’ or serious.
It will be a more interesting day than many of us imagined And, I suspect, a much longer one.