Patrick Brown claims disqualification was ‘orchestrated’ by Poilievre supporters

Patrick Brown says his shocking disqualification from the federal leadership race is a “blemish” on the Conservative Party and alleges it was ‘orchestrated’ by Poilievre supporters

In his first interview following Tuesday’s announcement, Brown tells CityNews he was unaware of his potential ousting until he started to receive media inquiries regarding a discussion on his position in the race.

“They had asked some very odd and bizarre questions. But this was out of left field, and frankly, it was very disappointing because we were in a position to win this leadership,” said Brown.

The move by the Conservative Party was announced late Tuesday night by Ian Brodie, the committee chair, who confirmed the move in a written statement following a meeting to discuss the matter.

He said the party had recently become aware of “serious allegations of wrongdoing” by the Brown campaign.

Brodie said the allegations are related to the financing rules in the Canada Elections Act but provided no further details.

The current Brampton mayor says the anonymous claim alleges someone was paid by a corporation while working on Brown’s campaign, but they haven’t received any additional information.

“We’ve asked for the name. No name was provided,” Brown explained.

“We’ve offered to research it and stated that if anyone were working on the campaign during hours meant to be working for another company, we would compensate [them], but we had no idea what the party was talking about.”

“Essentially, we’ve been disqualified on a phantom allegation that we have no information that would enable us to refute it,” Brown added.

“I think I’ve certainly shown that I’m a fighter”

Brown says he believes there were people within the party that were nervous about his campaign as he was “challenging some of the traditional positions [and] some of the areas that I believe the party is on the wrong side of history.”

“This leadership was very much a battle for the soul of the party. And, unfortunately, they’re removing this option from party members,” Brown said.

This is not the first time a scandal has rocked Brown’s chances in a campaign. In 2018, allegations of sexual misconduct forced him to resign his position as the leader of the Progressive Conservatives.

Brown vehemently denied the accusations which have never been proven in court and within weeks was kicked out of caucus. Brown returned to the political arena later that year, becoming the mayor of Brampton.

“I think I’ve certainly shown that I’m a fighter, and just like I fought back four years ago successfully, you know, I’m not paying to take this line down.”

Brown admits this time, circumstances are a lot different.

“Four years ago, it was based on false allegations. I stepped aside to clear my name, which I did,” explained Brown.

Brown tells CityNews he flew back to Brampton from his campaign tour in New Brunswick early Wednesday to discuss the options available with his legal team.

“I’m going to consult our legal options and make a decision. But I would say, I’m disappointed, and what has happened is wrong,” the Brampton mayor said.

“It’s a slap in the face to party members. And the only person celebrating today, besides Pierre Poilievre, is Justin Trudeau.”

Brown asserts this move was “clearly orchestrated by Pierre Poilievre supporters.”

“I think there was a lot of influence put on the leadership election committee by Poilievre’s campaign. That’s unfortunate,” said Brown.

“This is the establishment choice, and Pierre Poilievre is the establishment choice. I don’t think anyone questions that it’s been evident with his endorsements from the party apparatus.”

Poilievre has yet to release a statement related to Brown’s disqualification.

Conservatives to announce leadership winner in September

When asked how far he will go to fight this, Brown admits he needs to look at options and determine how realistic those legal paths are.

“I am going to speak up; I’m not going to shy away from standing up for the 150,000 Canadians who I signed up to vote in this party who have now been disenfranchised,” Brown said.

According to Brown, 150,000 new members have signed up to vote under him. About 675,000 members have signed up to vote for the new Conservative leader.

In 2020, there were only 270,000 members signed up to vote.

The party has not released information on how many each candidate has signed up, but Poilievre claims he sold nearly 312,000 memberships through his website.

The other candidates in the race are Conservative MPs from Ontario, Leslyn Lewis and Scott Aitchison, and Roman Baber, a former Independent member of the Ontario legislature.

The Conservatives will announce the leadership race winner in Ottawa on September 10.

“I didn’t want to see the same old Conservative Party that would win the popular vote but lose the general election,” Brown said.

“I thought Canadians deserved a real conservative alternative. It doesn’t matter who you love, where you’re born, the colour of your skin, or what God you worship. Everyone was going to be welcomed, and I’m disappointed that we’re being robbed of that opportunity to build a modern, inclusive, Conservative Party.”