6:30 a.m. update:
Brown has resigned as leader of the Progressive Conservatives.
From The Canadian Press:
Ontario's Opposition leader is stepping down amid allegations of sexual misconduct, dealing a severe blow to his party just months before a provincial election.
Patrick Brown announced his decision early Thursday following a hastily-called news conference hours earlier in which the Progressive Conservative leader "categorically" denied allegations of sexual misconduct.
11:23 p.m. update:
The PC Party's Press Secretary Nick Bergamini also announced on twitter that he was resigning.
"This evening I learned of allegations against Patrick Brown. As a result, it is in the best interest of the PC Party that he step down immediately. As he has chosen to follow a different route, I am resigning as the PC Party Press Secretary," Bergamini tweeted.
10:18 p.m. update:
Brown's Chief of Staff, Alykhan Velshi, campaign manager Andrew Boddington, and Dan Robertson, his deputy campaign manager, have issued a joint statement this evening announcing they have resigned.
Joint statement from Andrew Boddington, Alykhan Velshi (@avelshi), and Dan Robertson (@pdrobertson) pic.twitter.com/VVNnWzwXTr
— Alykhan Velshi (@avelshi) January 25, 2018
10:14 p.m. original story:
Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown held a sudden news conference Wednesday night to respond to what he called 'troubling allegations.'
"A couple of hours ago I learned about troubling allegations about my conduct and I'm here tonight to address them," Brown said, his voice trembling
"First, I want to say these allegations are false. Categorically untrue. Every one of them," said a visibly shaken Brown at Queens Park. "I'll defend myself as hard as I can with all means at my disposal."
Brown summoned reporters to the legislature to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct being reported by CTV.
"It's never okay for anyone to feel they've been a victim of sexual harassment or feel threatened in any way. Let me make this clear. A safe and respectful society is what we expect and deserve," Brown said.
The Conservative leader told reporters he has two younger sisters who are his best friends and that he's grown up in a family that has taught him good values.
"I know the court of public opinion moves fast. I've instructed my attorneys to ensure that these allegations are addressed where they should be - in a court of law," he said.
"In short, I reject these accusations in the strongest possible terms. It's not my values, It's not how I was raised. It's not who I am."
His statement took less than a minute and a half and then Brown walked out.
Village Media has reached out to Simcoe North PC candidate Jill Dunlop and her father, former MPP Garfield Dunlop, who gave up his seat so Brown could run.
