Doly Begum's party switch sparks MP reactions in Ontario
Politics
February 4, 2026
1 min read

Doly Begum's party switch sparks MP reactions in Ontario

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Ontario MPP Doly Begum's announcement that she will be seeking a federal seat as a Liberal candidate has triggered a wave of responses from across the political spectrum. Begum, who formerly represented the riding of Scarborough Southwest for the New Democratic Party (NDP) at the provincial level, will now aim to represent a to-be-determined federal riding under the Liberal banner.

The move has been met with mixed reactions. Some Liberal MPs have welcomed Begum, citing her experience in representing a diverse and urban riding as a valuable asset to their party. Other political observers note that this is a strategic move by the Liberals to gain more ground in Ontario.

However, the switch has drawn criticism from members of the NDP, who accuse Begum of abandoning her former party and the principles it stands for. Some have questioned the timing of her decision, suggesting it is opportunistic and undermines the work of local NDP organizers. The Progressive Conservatives have also weighed in, accusing the Liberals of poaching talent instead of developing their own candidates. The controversy underscores the intense competition among parties as they gear up for the next federal election. The impact of this move on voter sentiment in Ontario remains to be seen, but it has certainly added a new layer of intrigue to the province's political landscape.