The new leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party has resigned as the MP for Barrie.
Patrick Brown resigned his seat as Member of Parliament in Ottawa, following question period on Wednesday. Brown has been the MP for Barrie for nine years.
“I stand here today to announce I will be tendering my resignation as the Member of Parliament for Barrie,” says Brown. “It's an emotional, but exciting day because over the last nine years it has been a privilege to serve the City of Barrie. It has been one of the greatest honours of my life.”
Moments after Brown announced his resignation, former Barrie MPP Rod Jackson announced he would seek the Conservative nomination for Brown's riding, which will now be called Barrie-Innisfil. Barrie's Ward 7 councillor, John Brassard also announced on Wednesday that he is gunning for the nomination.
Brown won the PC leadership on Saturday – he is still without a seat at the Ontario legislature.
