CHINTA PUXLEY

The Canadian Press

January 31, 2008 at 4:52 AM EST

TORONTO — Ontario's embattled Conservative Leader said yesterday he plans to do a better job of consulting grassroots members about the party's next election platform and will impose "tough measures" to control spending if delegates give him a second chance.

In a letter posted on his website, togetherwithtory.ca, John Tory said he is listening to party members who are upset about the election loss in October.

Some Conservatives were especially bitter that Mr. Tory's controversial promise to fund all religious schools dominated the campaign and cost the party support, resulting in one of its worst election results ever.

Mr. Tory, who has said he will not revive the controversial pledge in 2011, hinted in the letter that such unpopular promises won't make it into the platform again under his leadership.

Complete story at the Globe and Mail