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).
Five sitting party members swiftly declared their intention to vie for the leadership position. Bill Davis was seen as the early front-runner and was perceived as the candidate favored by the party's upper echelons. He had backing from 14 high-ranking cabinet ministers and 42 MPPs.