Ron Taverner is back in the news.

An expedited hearing will be requested today on an ombudsman investigation into the hiring of the incoming OPP Commissioner.

The request will come from the lawyer for OPP Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair.

Blair previously asked that Ontario ombudsman Paul Dube investigate the hiring, voicing concerns about political interference by Premier Doug Ford, a long time friend of Ron Taverner.

When the request was denied, Blair decided to take his case to court.

The province’s integrity commissioner has also launched a review into the hiring of Ron Taverner, a veteran Toronto Police superintendent.

Ford has denied having any involvement in Taverner’s appointment.