Patrick Brown ‘seriously considering’ pulling out of Ontario PC leadership race: source

Patrick Brown is reportedly having doubts about continuing his bid to retake the helm of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party.

A source close to Brown told CityNews the embattled former leader is seriously considering pulling out of leadership race after threats to his friends and girlfriend. The source also said Brown’s mother has been hospitalized due to stress.

Campaign spokesperson Alise Mills took to social media early Monday morning and confirmed that threats have been made to Brown’s family but that he “has not stepped down.”

Brown resigned as Ontario Tory leader in January, hours after a CTV report in which the two women made sexual misconduct allegations that date back to the politician’s time as a federal MP.

Several weeks later, he registered to run for leadership of Ontario PC party.

Brown’s name was added to the candidates list on the Elections Ontario website with 30 minutes to go before the deadline to register expired.

The new leader will be chosen on March 10.