I'm not convinced that Doug was ever sincere about running for PCPO leader. His consistent pattern has always been lies, diversions, and full-frontal BS, why would this be any different? Doug thinks he's Dr Joe Goebbels, or at least a modern day version of him.
This is just noise, and Doug needs to generate it to make a place for himself in the story. If he stayed quiet for several months and then came out of the wilderness talking about a PC seat at Queen's Park, no one would really care. It wouldn't get enough attention to gain any traction.
Coming off the meryl race, the PCPO leadership shtick was a red herring to keep his name in the news and build the Ford Nation myth. I think Doug would be quite happy with a PCPO backbench seat just like good old Dad.
With a backbench seat, he could still peddle influence, disingenuously stir up shit, do Ford selfies with folks, and paint a veneer of respectability on a family that deserves none. Rob was more interested in fame; Doug is more interested in power. I think he sees more power available from Queen's Park than City Hall.
Not such a bad deal, especially when you get paid for it, including downtown parking space for your coal-roller.