Not only does Andrea Horwath back the call by the interim OPP commissioner that the Ombudsman’s office investigate questions of political interference in the appointment of Ron Taverner as the next commissioner, the Opposition leader wants a non-partisan select committee to carry out its own probe.

Horwath says the committee would have the power to call witnesses and subpoena relevant documents.

”Mr. Taverner’s appointment cannot go ahead under this cloud of suspicion,” said the NDP leader.

Horwath, who’d like the province’s integrity commissioner to investigate as well, is also asking the Toronto police Superintendent to ”do the right thing” and step aside while his appointment’s reviewed. 

Meanwhile, Liberal MPP Marie-France Lalonde says if he refuses to step aside, the solicitor-general should step in to, at the very least, postpone his appointment. 

Community Safety Minister Sylvia Jones says in a statement that the government stands by the selection process and that it would respect any decision made by the ombudsman about an inquiry and would co-operate with any such review.

Taverner, a close friend of the premier’s family, is to take over December 17.