Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives say former leader Patrick Brown will not be eligible to run in the riding he was nominated in for the province’s spring election.
The party’s provincial nominations committee said in a statement that Brown will not be allowed to run in Barrie–Springwater–Oro–Medonte.
The announcement comes as Brown said he will not be running in the spring election after much thought.
After much thought, I will not be running in the upcoming provincial election. I remain committed to the Conservative movement and to the well-being of my local community. #onpoli 1/2
Brown stepped down as leader in January amid sexual misconduct allegations, which he vehemently denies.
He then briefly tried to reclaim his old job, but bowed out of the race last month, saying his bid was taking a toll on family and friends.
After a turbulent party convention last Saturday, the Conservatives picked former Toronto city councillor Doug Ford as their new leader.
Decisions also made about ridings
Though he did not mention Brown by name, Ford said in a statement he said he was happy to learn about the committee’s decision.
“I am pleased to learn of the decisions made by the Provincial Nominations Committee. As Leader, I am fully focused on the June election and taking the fight to Kathleen Wynne,” Ford said in a statement.
“Together we will ensure that we are in the best position possible to defeat the Wynne Liberals and form a majority government.”
The committee also agreed to reopen nominations in the Brampton North, Mississauga Centre and Newmarket–Aurora ridings, and to “set aside the nomination” in Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas “as a result of the flawed process,” party president Jag Badwal said in a statement.
Police are investigating the Hamilton-area nomination amid allegations of vote-stuffing. The Conservatives have been dogged by controversial nomination battles in ridings across the province.
Ontario voters go to the polls on June 7
