Despite explosive allegations, Windsor's Al Teshuba is standing by former Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown in his bid to reclaim the leadership.
Brown is officially one of the five candidates for the PCs in the leadership race sparked by the former leader's resignation on January 25. Brown joined the race at the deadline on Friday, just hours after being kicked out of the PC caucus by interim leader Vic Fedeli.
A decision of which Teshuba isn't a fan.
"You know, Vic Fedeli, this guy is somebody who has taken the reigns and title and has expanded it even from day one," says Teshuba. "I think the grassroots members speak on behalf of the Party and certainly they're going to be speaking on behalf of who the leader should be."
Teshuba had served as Brown's Windsor West Riding Captain before the controversy and expects to fill that role again as part of the new leadership bid.
The other candidates in the Ontario PC leadership race are Caroline Mulroney, Christine Elliott, Doug Ford and Tanya Granic Allen.
Brown resigned following sexual misconduct allegations involving two women. As first reported by CTV News, the women allege inappropriate behaviour from Brown throughout his time in public office including asking for oral sex and preying on young girls.
CTV News agreed to protect the identities of the women.
Brown has called the allegations "categorically untrue" and has since come out with Facebook posts as well as two interviews with major news organizations to refute the claims.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Teshuba feels Brown has done enough to clear his name and deserves a chance to lead the Party again.
"He's the one that did this whole Party revolution," says Teshuba. "From 12,000 memberships to 200,000 memberships, or even if it's the disputed 150,000 memberships — money in the bank, out of debt, the People's Guarantee, networking with multicultural communities throughout Ontario."
Teshuba sees Brown as a political victim, framing Brown as the grassroots candidate that fought back against the elites of the Party.
"I believe it was somewhat of a political coup and opportunism at the very least and Patrick [Brown] has stated just now that he has cleared his name, I believe he has," says Teshuba. "I think all the accusation stories, I think most people realize, those were fabrications."
None of the allegations have been proven in court and Brown does not face any charges as a result of the claims.
Despite legal action threatened by Brown, CTV News has stated it is standing by its story.
— with files from AM800's Gord Bacon and The Canadian Press