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Former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown’s abrupt resignation in response to allegations of sexual misconduct has left the PCs with less than four months to find a new leader before the campaign kicks off for the provincial election set for June 7.

The scramble comes as the Tories had been leading the Liberals in most polls, and appeared poised to give the long-governing Liberals a serious challenge in the upcoming vote.

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While the PCs appear to have no shortage of contenders, they will be forced to make some quick decisions. On Friday morning, the Tory caucus is set to meet to select an interim leader, which means the caucus will be selecting from its own ranks. That has the benefit of allowing for a quick decision as the election looms, but it may not be the person the party wants taking on the Liberals in the election.

After the interim leader is chosen, the party could rush ahead with a convention and allow the membership to vote for a new, permanent leader. This would allow for more candidates, but would leave members with little time to make an important decision.