Patrick Brown enters Ontario Tory leadership race
Former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown says he is fighting to reclaim his old job after receiving a wave of support from party members since he resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Brown officially joined the race to lead the Tories Friday afternoon before a registration deadline and Elections Ontario now lists him as one of five candidates vying for the party’s top post.
The Barrie, Ont., politician says he is not running for his own benefit or the party’s but to do what is right for the province.
Earlier on Friday, Brown was kicked out of the Tory caucus, which means he will sit as an independent when the legislature resumes on Tuesday. Brown has mounted a campaign in recent days to clear his name, alleging two women who spoke out against him in late January were lying and possibly manipulated by his political enemies inside and outside the party. He has also vowed to sue CTV News, which broadcast the allegations. CTV has said it stands by its reporting. Four other candidates — former Tory legislator Christine Elliott, Toronto lawyer and businesswoman Caroline Mulroney, former Toronto city councillor Doug Ford and social conservative advocate Tanya Granic Allen — are already competing to be party leader.
Mulroney and Ford said Brown joining the race is pulling attention away from what should be the party’s real objectives — defeating the Liberals.