The Progressive Conservative caucus will be meeting at 9 a.m. today to select, by ballot, an interim leader following Patrick Brown's resignation in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations.
The MPP for Simcoe North resigned as party leader early Thursday after what he called 'troubling allegations' were reported by two women to CTV.
In a statement he read to reporters on Wednesday evening, Brown emphatically denied the allegations as 'categorically untrue.'
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli became the first to seek the vacant PC leadership job by announcing his intentions Thursday.
The sudden turn of events that led to Brown stepping down has shaken the political world, particularly in Brown's home turf.
Simcoe North Progressive Conservative candidate Jill Dunlop released a statement but declined further comment.
"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 judgment or prejudice.
"There will be a 9 am caucus meeting tomorrow (Friday) to select, by ballot, an interim leader."
Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton released the following statement:
“The events we learned about yesterday (Wednesday) 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.”
The party's deputy leaders haven't said if the interim leader picked today will lead them in the scheduled June provincial election or if a leadership race will be held before then.
