Posted By JENNIFER PELLEGRINI

Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory made a quick stop in Niagara Saturday, as he strives to maintain his leadership of Ontario's official opposition.

After a meeting with delegates from Tim Hudak's Niagara-West Glanbrook riding in Smithville, Tory called The Review to talk about issues he said remain important to Ontario residents.

Among them: An opposition leader who is willing to listen to their concerns.

"I think (this cross-provincial trip to speak to delegates who will vote in the Conservative party's leadership convention later this month) gives them an opportunity to make comments to me I've found immensely beneficial," said Tory, who was en route to a similar meeting in Mississauga late Saturday afternoon. "As I visit riding after riding, people know there were lessons to be learned from mistakes that were made, which I take full responsibility for."

Tory said he's aware of Bart Maves' bid to have Tory ousted from his leadership role, but harbours no ill-will against this city's Conservative candidate in last fall's election.

"I'm obviously aware of Mr. Maves," said Tory. "But he's taking an active role in (the leadership review) and I commend him for that." Tory said he's taking a two-part message about the party to the meetings he had in London, Brantford, Smithville and Mississauga Saturday and Sunday's meetings in Vaughn, Peterborough and Belleville.

"The party's organization had been allowed to deteriorate over the past four to five years," said Tory, who described plans to update membership lists and other internal changes as "overdue."

"Some things just didn't work."

Complete story at the Niagara Falls Review