Ontario Opposition Leader Patrick Brown denies ‘troubling allegations’

TORONTO – Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown says he is stepping down amid accusations of sexual misconduct.

His decision comes just hours after he “categorically” denied “troubling allegations” about his conduct.

Brown said early Thursday that after consulting with caucus, friends and family, he has “decided to step down as leader” but will remain on as a MPP while clearing his name.

CTV News tweeted that two women have come forward with graphic sexual misconduct allegations against Brown. The broadcaster said the alleged incidents date back to when Brown was a federal MP.

“These allegations are false. Every one of them,” Brown said at a late-night news conference at the legislature.

“I can’t speculate on the motive of my accusers, I can only say that what they are saying is categorically untrue.”

Brown said he has instructed his lawyers to ensure that the allegations are addressed in court.

The leader of the Opposition noted that “it’s never OK” for anyone to feel they have been a victim of sexual harassment or feel threatened in any way.

“I reject these accusation in the strongest possible terms,” Brown said. “This is not how I’m raised. This is not who I am.”

He did not take questions from reporters and left immediately after making his statement.

Members of his staff announced their resignation after the allegations came to light.

Brown has been leading in the polls as the province heads to the polls this summer.

He was first elected as federal MP in 2006 as part of the Conservative government after serving as a Barrie city councillor. He was re-elected twice, once in 2008 and again in 2011.

During his time in Ottawa, Brown served as a backbench MP in Stephen Harper’s government and has been frequently criticized by political opponents for voting in favour of reopening the abortion debate.

He won the PC leadership in 2015, beating long-time Ontario legislator and favourite Christine Elliott.

Since he has become party leader, Brown has attempted to broaden the appeal of his the party, going as far as to say social conservative issues were off-limits at the PC policy convention last fall.

Brown says he is pro-choice and more recently has led Pride parade delegations.

Here is Brown’s statement on stepping down as leader.

“These allegations are false and have been difficult to hear. 

However, defeating Kathleen Wynne in 2018 is more important than one individual.  

For this reason, after consulting with caucus, friends and family I have decided to step down as Leader of the Ontario PC Party. I will remain on as a MPP while I definitively clear my name from these false allegations.  

Over the past three years I have led a major transformation of our party taking it from 12,000 to 200,000 members, fundraised more money than any provincial party in Canadian history, and recruited some of the most qualified and diverse candidates in the history of our party. I have developed a pragmatic and winning campaign platform after a historically comprehensive policy process. 

These important building blocks are essential for defeating Kathleen Wynne this year and her tired government that has repeatedly made reckless decisions and put insiders ahead of the people. 

I’m confident the president of our party and caucus will convene an expedited process to elect my successor who I look forward to working with.”