A survey conducted by Liaison Strategies between April 25 and 26, sampling 1,000 Ontarians, finds the Progressive Conservatives at 33 per cent among all voters, trailing the Ontario Liberals at 35 per cent, with the NDP at 18 per cent. Among decided and leaning voters, the Liberals opened a slightly wider lead at 38 per cent, compared to 36 per cent for the PCs and 20 per cent for the NDP.

The Ford government has previously floated more aggressive reforms, including allowing judges to disqualify councillors and requiring members found in violation to cover investigation costs. Those measures never made it to the legislature.

One Progressive Conservative caucus member warned the controversies risk cutting directly against the party’s carefully cultivated populist image, built on fiscal restraint and a tough-on-crime message.