Simcoe North Progressive Conservative candidate Jill Dunlop has released the following statement. She has declined to comment further.
"The allegations of sexual misconduct regarding Patrick Brown come as a complete shock to myself and everyone that I work with.
"I truly hope that these allegations are false and that Patrick's good name as an upstanding politician may be redeemed. He has been a close family friend and has brought the Ontario PC Party to such a successful position and offered a bright alternative to the people that feel disenfranchised by the Wynne government.
"With that being said, I stand with all victims of sexual harassment. As a society, we must support those who come forward without a fear of judgement or prejudice.
"There will be a 9 am caucus meeting tomorrow to select, by ballot, an interim leader."
Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton released the following statement:
“The events we learned about yesterday are deeply troubling. Sexual misconduct and sexual harassment have no place in Canadian society, especially within our political system, and cannot be tolerated.
“We understand how difficult it can be for women to come forward under these circumstances.
“These allegations are extremely serious and should be investigated fully.”
