A byelection that would see new Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown run in Simcoe North could be coming sooner than expected.

During the Rendez-Vous Champlain festival in Penetanguishene on Saturday, Premier Kathleen Wynne said she will officially call a byelection for the riding next week.

"Patrick Brown has said clearly that he is willing to contest a byelection during a federal writ period and I don't want to stand in the way of that, so I will be moving forward with calling the by-election as quickly as possible," she says. "That would mean a byelection date of Sept. 3."

Wynne originally stated that she would wait until after the Oct. 19 federal election before calling the provincial byelection.

In a statement to CTV Barrie, Brown said, "I appreciate Premier Wynne willing to do the right thing. The people of Simcoe North deserve immediate representation. Thank you premier for staying true to your word. We look forward to dialogue, a contrast of ideas and a Sept. 3 byelection."

Simcoe North has been a PC stronghold for 16 years under veteran MPP Garfield Dunlop, who announced last month that he would resign as the representative for the riding on Aug. 1.

Brown has been without a seat at Queen’s Park since becoming the head of the PCs in May.