Hours after tearfully vowing to fight “false” allegations of sexual impropriety against him, Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown has resigned. In a statement early Thursday, Brown said he could not continue as party leader with an election a little more than four months away. “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,” he said at 1:25 a.m.“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.In a separate statement, Deputy PC Leaders Sylvia Jones and Steve Clark said caucus members agreed Brown had to go. “We unanimously agree that Mr. Brown cannot continue serving as the leader. Mr. Brown is entitled to a legal defense and due process, but he cannot lead us into an election as a result of these allegations,” they said. “Our caucus will immediately consult with party officials and members on best way to move forward . . .”In a dramatic, hastily called news conference held 15 minutes before CTV News broke the news of teenagers’ encounters with Brown, the ashen-faced leader insisted he did nothing wrong.“A couple of hours ago, I learned of troubling allegations about my conduct and character,” the Tory chief said in quavering voice prior to the 10 p.m. Wednesday broadcast.“These allegations are false. Every one of them. I will defend myself as hard as I can with any means at my disposal. In short, I reject these accusations in the strongest possible terms.” said Brown.“I can’t speculate on the motive of my accusers, I can only say they what they are saying is categorically untrue.“I know that the court of public opinion moves fast. I have instructed my attorneys to ensure that these allegations are add ...
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