Patrick Brown is looking to make a political comeback, less than six months after resigning as Ontario’s Progressive Conservative leader amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Brown announced on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon he had filed his papers to run for chair of Peel Region.
“I started out in municipal politics, which is a non-partisan setting, so it’s going to be good to go back to that,” Brown said in an interview with Global News Radio 640 Toronto talk show host John Oakley on Tuesday.
The former MPP for Simcoe North, who also served as an MP and city councillor for Barrie, noted that he practised law in Brampton before being elected to the House of Commons. Brown said his fiancee is also from the region.
He resigned as PC leader in late January after CTV news published allegations of sexual misconduct involving two young women. Brown strongly denied the allegations and filed an $8-million lawsuit against the broadcaster.
He has also penned a book about his ouster as PC leader titled Takedown: The Political Assassination of Patrick Brown, which is expected to be released on Nov. 1.
The chair of Peel is the CEO of the municipality and acts as the head of the regional council for the cities of Mississauga and Brampton, and the town of Caledon.
Brown said the position would be a “meaningful opportunity to continue to contribute to public service” and mentioned regional concerns such as job creation, traffic and policing.
The post was previously appointed by the region’s councillors. For the first time this year, however, residents will be voting directly for the chair in the municipal election, which is scheduled for Oct. 22.
Six other candidates are currently signed up to run for the position, including Mississauga Coun. Ron Starr.
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