Ottawa-area PCs react to sexual misconduct allegations against Patrick Brown

Ottawa-areaMPPs are reacting to allegations levelled against former Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown, who stepped down early Thursday morninghours after two women accused him of sexual misconduct.

• Patrick Brown resigns as Ontario PC leader after sexual misconduct allegations

Brown has categorically denied the allegations and called a news conference Wednesday nightto deny them.

Others within Brown's own party are siding with his accusers.

"I believe women who come forward on national news because it has to be one of the most courageous things a woman can do, and I support them," NepeanCarleton MPP Lisa MacLeod told CBCThursday morning.

"Obviously it's horrific that they felt that way, and I just pray that nobody else was affected," said MacLeod, Brown's one-time leadership rival.

The PC caucus met late Wednesday evening to discuss the allegations. MacLeod said Brown was part of those discussions, but shecould not reveal what was said.

"Mr. Brown is entitled to a legal defence and due process, but he cannot lead the PC Party into an election as a result of these allegations," RenfrewNipissingPembroke MPP John Yakabuski wrote in a statement released viaTwitter Thursday morning.

Some PC candidates are also expressing outrage over the allegations.In a statement posted onTwitter, Goldie Ghamari, a candidate for the newriding of Carleton, said she was shocked by the allegations.

"I offer my unreserved sympathy to these brave women who came forward.," she wrote, adding that Brown made the right choice to resign as party leader.

She also urged young PC members to reach out to her if they wantto talk.

The PC Party caucus is set to meet again late Thursday to choose an interim leader on Friday.

MacLeod wouldn't say whether she would be putting her name forward again. She said she's confidentthe party will grow, survive and thrive despite Brown's resignation and the allegations against him.