Ontario’s premier is reportedly relying on the heads of two lobbying firms for advice.

A Globe and Mail report says Doug Ford is giving Chris Froggatt and Kory Teneycke access to his inner circle and influence over Ontario politics through strategic direction, crisis management and input on the recent cabinet shuffle.

The two individuals apparently started government relations firms weeks after helping the PCs win the election last year and have since become powerful backroom advisors to the premier at the same time as their employees lobby his administration.

The strategists have no official positions in Ford’s government, but word from the PC party is that the election-readiness committee had been revamped with additional members, including other lobbyists.

A spokesperson with the premier’s office says it’s appropriate for the two to provide political advice in their capacity as advisors, adding that Premier Ford is not aware of and would not tolerate any breaches of the rules.