Five sitting members quickly announced their intention to vie for the leadership. Bill Davis was the early front runner and was seen as the candidate of the party establishment. He had support of 14 cabinet ministers and 42 Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs).
In a swift move, five sitting members of the party announced their intention to compete for leadership. Bill Davis was initially seen as the front-runner and was viewed as the preferred candidate of the party's power structure. He enjoyed significant support from 14 senior cabinet ministers and 42 MPPs.