Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory has publicly backed away from the controversial education policy many feel cost him the provincial election.
  
After emerging from his first caucus meeting since the Oct. 10 vote, Tory said Wednesday he is ready to move beyond the proposal to publicly fund religious schools.

"The people spoke on this issue, it was a dominant issue, if not the dominant issue in the election," he said. "The people rendered a verdict, it was quite definite, and I respect their verdict and that's the way the issue's been dealt with."

Earlier Wednesday, Tory said he wanted to consult his caucus and party members before making a final decision on the issue.
  
Many caucus members had said they still support Tory, but wanted to see him abandon the proposal they say cost them votes.
  
Tory staunchly defended the policy throughout the election, saying it was a matter of principle and fairness.
  
But he acknowledged voters obviously didn't agree.

When questioned on the issue of his leadership, Tory said he is staying put for now.

"Yes, I received a huge amount of encouragement, unanimously, from around the room, this morning from caucus, and I'm very happy about that," Tory told reporters waiting to hear what had happened inside the closed-door meeting.