Half of Ontario voters would favour the Progressive Conservatives in the next provincial election, according to a new public opinion poll.

The Forum Poll surveyed 949 Ontario voters, 49 per cent of whom said they would support the PCs in the June 7 election, a jump of seven percentage points in just a few weeks. The Liberals have the support of 24 per cent of voters, while the NDP have 19 per cent.

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The results are largely due to voter dissatisfaction with Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals, according to Lorne Bozinoff, president and founder of Forum Research, which conducted the poll on Friday and Saturday.

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“The premier doesn’t seem to connect with the electorate,” said Bozinoff, adding the party has “14 years of accumulated baggage,” including voter complaints about hydro rates and other scandals.

Respondents were given five options for candidates they would like to lead the party. Christine Elliott, a moderate who lost the 2015 Ontario PC leadership race to Patrick Brown, was the most popular at 22 per cent

She is trailed by former Toronto city councillor Doug Ford, brother of late mayor Rob Ford, at 16 per cent. Close behind, Caroline Mulroney, a lawyer and daughter of former prime minister Brian Mulroney, earned 14 per cent.

Brown, who resigned as PC leader amid sexual misconduct allegations in January only to rejoin the race last week, had 13 per cent of respondents say he would be the best leader.

In January, CTV News reported that two women accused Brown of sexual misconduct. Brown denies the allegations and has vowed to clear his name.

Five per cent of voters picked Tanya Granic Allen, a self-described social conservative who has been outspoken about her opposition to Ontario’s sex education curriculum.

Thirty-one per cent of respondents said they don’t know who should be leader.

A poll conducted in late January found the Tories had the support of 42 per cent of voters.

“The constant stream of media attention and fervor surrounding the leadership race has done nothing but help the Progressive Conservatives,” he said. “Even Patrick Brown’s re-entry into the race isn’t yet showing as a negative, with just as many people saying they agree with the decision as disagree.”

Bozinoff said Elliott’s popularity stems from her being a scandal-free “brand name” that connects well with voters.

Bozinoff said Mulroney has similar qualities as a non-controversial, fresh face. He added that the two women have more crossover appeal than Brown and Ford, and may be well positioned to pick up undecided voters.

“Brown and Ford are both well defined, and as well-known quantities have already attracted their supporters,” Bozinoff said.

“Elliott and Mulroney are less well known and have the potential to grow their support.”

Respondents were split over whether Brown should have re-entered the race. Thirty-eight per cent agreed with Brown’s decision, while 39 per cent disagreed.

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“If (Brown) wins the leadership, he is likely to reduce the appeal of the PC party to voters, somewhat,” Bozinoff said.

Only 22 per cent of respondents watched at least some of the Ontario PC leadership debate last week, while 39 per cent said they heard something about it.

Among those who said they watched or heard something about the debate, 17 per cent said Elliott won, and 16 per cent opted for Ford. Twelve per cent of respondents said Mulroney won the debate.

Results based on the total sample are considered accurate, plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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