Ontario PC candidates weigh in on Patrick Brown after first debate

CAPTION: Ontario PC leadership contenders Christine Elliott and Caroline Mulroney say they would wait until “the facts” are in before deciding the future of former leader Patrick Brown in the party.

Brown resigned amid sexual misconduct claims, which he says are false. (February 15, 2018) 1.

SOUNDBITE: Caroline Mulroney, Ontario PC leadership candidate 2.

SOUNDBITE: Christine Elliott, Ontario PC leadership candidate 3.

SOUNDBITE: Doug Ford, Ontario PC leadership candidate 4.

SOUNDBITE: Tanya Granic Allen, Ontario PC leadership candidate PLACELINE: Toronto CREDIT: The Canadian Press STORYLINE: The fate of former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown's political career is stirring debate among those vying to replace him.

In the first debate of the Tory leadership race, two of the candidates _ former Tory legislator Christine Elliott and Toronto lawyer Caroline Mulroney _ say Brown should be allowed to run in the provincial election if he manages to clear his name.

Former Toronto councillor Doug Ford says he would wait to get all the facts before making a decision, while social conservative advocate Tanya Granic Allen says she wouldn't allow Brown to run, though she stressed it was not because of the sexual misconduct allegations that triggered his resignation.

Brown stepped down in late January after CTV News published allegations from two women, which he has categorically denied.

Brown now says he will sue the network for publishing what he alleges are false accusations.