SCOOP: Is this the dark horse in the race for Liberal leader?

THE LEDE

SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?

Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.

When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”