A potential Progressive Conservative candidate who worked as an assistant to former party leader Patrick Brown has decided not to run after questionable jokes and comments he posted on social media were uncovered.

“I have reviewed my private Facebook account and regretfully found that these posts were inappropriate including a crude joke in 2007 and using a derogatory term in 2012 in conversation with a lifelong friend,” Shawn Bubel said via Facebook Friday afternoon.

“After speaking with my family I have decided not to pursue the nomination for the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party in the riding of Barrie-Innisfil. I trust that those who know me understand these few unfortunate examples are not indicative of my online activity nor do they speak to my character.”

A senior party official had previously told the Star that the posts could jeopardize Bubel’s eligibility to run in the June 7 election.

Bubel, now chief of staff to the federal Conservative MP for the area, John Brassard, worked at Queen’s Park with Brown in 2015, and served on Brown’s federal team from 2008 to 2015.

He was running against one other person for the local Ontario PC nomination — Andrea Khanjin — who has also worked for Brown. Candidates still have a few days left to put their names forward.

Some of Bubel’s posts over the past several years, obtained by the Star, include:

Photo of a man wearing a T-shirt saying: “I’d rather be snorting cocaine off a hooker’s a--.”

Writing “I feel like I need a shower” after walking in downtown Barrie, where he says he “can’t walk 20 feet without getting hit up for change.”

Commenting “I would NEVER call you an elite . . . c---s----- maybe.”

A joke about a man punching a female monkey in the face before she performs oral sex.

Photo of a cheerleader holding a sign saying “c---s.”

On Thursday, when asked about the social media posts, a senior official with the Progressive Conservatives said “the party has not approved this individual to be a candidate yet. Respect for women is an important value in our party and nobody who disrespects women or takes action that would cause reputational damage to the campaign is likely to be approved to run for the PC party.”

Bubel had earlier told the Star that after reviewing his Facebook postings, “regretfully found that some can be deemed as inappropriate.

“I agree these past posts were inappropriate. I have removed them from my personal Facebook page and taken a valuable lesson from the experience. I have always tried to conduct myself with high ethical standards and professionalism.”

He said he uses social media “to relay thousands of positive messages and to showcase the spirit of the community. I will continue to do so in the future.”

Bubel has worked with Brassard since 2015, and prior to that was communications adviser to Brown at Queen’s Park, and a special assistant to Brown for more than seven years when he was a federal MP.

Brown quit more than two weeks ago after sexual misconduct allegations, which he denies.

Bubel has run unsuccessfully for municipal council in the past in Essa, including deputy mayor.

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