Brampton mayor Patrick Brown joins race to lead the federal Conservatives

Brampton mayor Patrick Brown officially launched his campaign on Sunday to seek the leadership of the federal Conservative Party.

With his wife and young children by his side, Patrick Brown officially launched his bid to become the next leader of the federal Conservatives. He made the announcement in Brampton this Sunday morning, where he has served as mayor since 2018.

Political analyst Keith Leslie says Brown’s current role as Brampton’s mayor will help his campaign.

Brown was the former leader of Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives and he previously served as an MP. He stepped down as leader of the Ontario PC party in January 2018 following allegations of sexual misconduct involving two women, reported by CTV, allegations he denies.

Conservative strategist Alanna Clark says the 43-year-old has now joined a race that is well underway with several high-profile candidates, including Haldimand Norfolk MP Leslyn Lewis, Independent Ontario MPP Roman Baber, former Quebec premier Jean Charest and MP Pierre Poilievre. Clark says, “I know going into the leadership a lot of the conservatives felt that this was more just going to be a coronation for Pierre Poilievre, and I don’t think people expected to have such a wide range of candidates entering the race.”

When Brown represented Ontario Progressive Conservatives he embraced carbon pricing and tried to modernize the party brand, two issues that are expected to be center stage in the current leadership race.

Brown will continue serving as mayor of Brampton in the months ahead as conservatives will find out who their new leader is in September.