Who will be the next leader?

Premier Kathleen Wynne held a news conference Thursday morning, saying she heard the allegations about Patrick Brown for the first time last night, and she says she was shocked.

“I believe there are a lot of people around the province who are shaken this morning.”

The Premier says she does not intend to call the provincial election any earlier than expected on June 7th, or push it back any later. She said it’s up to the Tories to decide if Brown should remain an MPP, but NDP leader Andrea Horwath said he would be booted from her caucus.

“These women have told their stories and their stories are similar, it’s a little more than a coincidence I think, both alleging similar circumstances. It’s not appropriate to lead a party with those allegations.”

The deputy leaders of the Progressive Conservative party also say they were shocked to hear the allegations last night, but say they will still be ready for the election.

“Absolutely. We have the largest fundraising team, we have 90 candidates nominated. We’re ready to fight this election.” Sylvia Jones, PC deputy leader.

PC finance critic Vic Fedeli says he’ll contend for leader, like he did in 2015.

“So all through the night and day I’ve been hearing from our caucus who say it’s your time Vic, you’re the one, you’re the person to do this so, I’ll respect the decision of caucus and let my name stand tomorrow.”

The deputy leaders are meeting with the party executive tonight and with their caucus tomorrow morning. They have to decide whether to choose an interim leader to fight the election, or to hold a leadership race before the election in June.