The London Beat London, Ontario’s stream of consciousness
Just over a month ago, former London talk show host Andrew Lawton was appointed by provincial Tory leader Doug Ford as the Progressive Conservative candidate for London West. It was a controversial decision that sent shockwaves through the London and provincial political landscape. Yesterday, Lawton tweeted that he was seeking “compassion and trust” from London voters, and admitted to his tendentious actions between 2005 and 2013 when he said he was suffering from mental illness.
“I was reckless in almost all areas of my life: financially, socially, sexually and vocationally. There are significant chunks of this period that I do not remember.”
“I was active on social media throughout much of this time, posting things that are so far removed from who I am and what I stand for that I can’t even fathom my frame of mind in writing them,” said Lawton in the tweet.
Ford appointed Lawton when the party chose to skip the nomination process and appointed candidates in eleven different ridings. Backlash was immediate from within the party.
“That nomination should be earned, not bestowed,” said Jake Skinner, a trustee with the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), who had been vying for the nomination in London West for two years. “Frankly, I am in a state of shock. I am deeply disappointed for our members,” Skinner added in an online statement at the time.
Lawton was the former host of The Andrew Lawton Show on AM980, but was laid off last month for “restructuring reasons”, according to Corus Entertainment.
In his statement yesterday, Lawton said he was “not seeking a pass on past actions. I am however, seeking compassion and trust.” Adding that he knew it would be, “a long road ahead to convince the voters that I should be their representative.”
Lawton also said that he has already began making amends for his past, “When I have been confronted with my own failings from this chapter of my life, I’ve tried to make amends and offer apologies one on one where they are due. This has been a difficult but important process.”
The statement comes just days after Tanya Granic Allen had her candidacy removed by Ford for “irresponsible comments” that were in a video shared by the Ontario Liberals, where her views were said to represent “hatred and homophobia.”
The statement also came at the start of Mental Health Week.
Lawton was not available for comment.
I've shared this with media, but need to say it publicly as well. pic.twitter.com/KWMTq5odk6
— Andrew Lawton (@AndrewLawton) May 7, 2018
