Reynolds backs Manning West Vancouver-Garibaldi MP John Reynolds is supporting Preston Manning in his bid to become leader of the new Canadian Alliance party. Reynolds, chief justice critic for the Reform Party, said in a release: "Leadership of a party requires a person with vision and integrity and Preston Manning has acquitted himself in that regard." Manning has been leader of the Reform Party since its inception 13 years ago. While Reform is the Official Opposition in Ottawa, the party has failed to win support east of Manitoba. Last weekend the results of a party referendum showed 92 per cent in favour of forming a new party, called the Canadian Alliance. Manning, Alberta Treasurer Stockwell Day and Ontario MPP and house whip Frank Klees are, so far, the only candidates for leader of the new party. All three intend to step aside from their present positions to run for the Alliance leadership. "It was Preston’s vision that brought the Reform Party to life and Preston’s vision that delivered the Reform Party to Official Opposition status in Parliament," Reynolds said. "In the face of mounting cynicism and suspicion with the current government leadership, I believe Canadians seek a person with integrity and high ethical and moral standards. Preston meets and exceeds those standards and one would be hard pressed to challenge these virtues." A leadership convention will be held in Calgary at the end of June.
