Trudeau blocks candidacy of ex-MP’s wife over bullying complaints

OTTAWA – Justin Trudeau is launching a pre-emptive strike to prevent federal Liberals from using upcoming nomination contests to resume the infighting that almost destroyed their party.

His team has informed Christine Innes that she won’t be allowed to run for a Liberal nomination in any riding after receiving complaints that her husband, former MP and junior cabinet minister Tony Ianno, has been trying to bully and intimidate supporters of star recruit Chrystia Freeland.

Ontario campaign co-chair David MacNaughton says barring Innes is intended to send a message that Trudeau won’t tolerate a return to the bad old days of fratricidal feuding.

Trudeau has promised to hold open nomination meetings in every riding, including his own.

MacNaughton acknowledges barring Innes will prompt criticism that the leader’s promise is hollow, that he’s showing favouritism for one of his star recruits.

But he says opening up open nominations doesn’t mean the leader has to tolerate prospective candidates engaging in divisive behaviour to win.