One candidate for a Progressive Conservation nomination has dropped out of the race and another briefly suspended his campaign after allegations of sexual misconduct were leveled against leader Patrick Brown.
Ed Holder and Jake Skinner, who were both seeking the party's nomination in London West, released statements Wendesday night after CTV reported that two women had come forward with allegations against Brown.
Holder released a statement to supporters before Brown announced his resignation as leader:
"In light of the serious allegations recently brought forward against the Leader of the PC Party of Ontario I have advised the Executive Director the Party that I have chosen to remove my name for consideration as a nomination candidate in the riding of London West," he said. "Those that look to lead should hold themselves to the highest levels of integrity and accountability. As such, while Patrick Brown remains the Leader of of the Ontario PC Party, I can no longer, in good conscience, allow my name to stand fo the Ontairo PC Party nomination."
Skinner's statement said that he would be suspending his campaign and called on Brown to resign.
“As a father to two young daughters, these horrific allegations cut me to my core,” his statement said.
After Brown announced he was stepping down, Skinner resumed his campaign for the nomination in London West. He says the party will have to choose carefully when it selects its new leader.
"We need a leader who is beyond reproach," he tells BlackburnNewsLondon.com. "I supported Christine Elliot in the leadership contest and someone who seems to share some similar traits is Caroline Mulroney. I haven't put my support behind anyone in particular and I want to hear from any and all candidates and people who willing to put themselves forward."
While Brown is resigning as leader of the Ontario PC Party, he says he will stay on as an MPP and fight to clear his name. He denies the allegations.