Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Vincent Ke (Don Valley North) has left caucus after allegations he was involved with a 2019 election interference network run out of the Chinese consulate in Toronto. .“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 the Office of the Premier of Ontario in a Friday statement. .“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.” .Ke said while the Global News allegations are false and defamatory, he does not “want to be a distraction to the government and take away from the good work Premier (Doug) 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,” he said. .An election interference plot directed by the Chinese consulate in Toronto allegedly involved Ke, said sources with knowledge of the investigation on Friday. .READ MORE: REPORT: Ontario MPP implicated in alleged 2019 Chinese election interference network.The sources assert Ke served as a financial intermediary in Chinese government interference schemes described in two Privy Council Office reports..No charges have been laid, and the transactions could be considered legal under Canadian law..Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refused to answer questions about Chinese election interference during Question Period on Wednesday amid a new report claiming he was briefed on it twice. .READ MORE: Trudeau refuses to answer questions on Chinese election interference.“He won't answer any of these questions, which is exactly why we need an independent inquiry that can compel his testimony,” said Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. .Despite mounting political pressure to call for an independent investigation into Chinese election interference, Trudeau chose to appoint an independent special rapporteur to make expert recommendations on combating it. The rapporteur will decide whether an inquiry into the subject is warranted.
