Only days after the Ford government’s first choice as OPP commissioner withdrew from his controversial appointment, the province has announced who will take over as head of Ontario’s police service.

(Martin Trainor/CBC)

It’s York Regional Police deputy chief Thomas Carrique, who has spent his entire 29-years with York.

The premier’s office says Doug Ford’s never met Carrique, who adds he has no relationship with either the premier or his family.

Correctional Services Minister Sylvia Jones won’t say how many others were considered for the position, but that it was important to move forward and get a new commissioner.

Carrique will begin his three-year term April 8.

It’s unlikely the controversy will soon go away.

The government fired deputy commissioner Brad Blair, who feels it’s reprisal for legally challenging the initial appointment of Toronto Police Supt. Ron Taverner. 

Blair wants the ombudsman to be forced to investigate.

The integrity commissioner’s report is still to come,  and the NDP has called for a public inquiry.