Patrick Brown, 42, is the MPP for Simcoe North (2015–2018 as a Progressive Conservative and 2018–present as an independent) and a former Conservative MP for Barrie (2006–2015).
He was the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario from 2015 until his 2018 resignation triggered this leadership election.
Brown was expelled from the PC caucus hours before registering his candidacy on February 16, 2018.
On February 21, 2018 the party's nominations committee approved Brown to seek the leadership in a 3 to 2 vote.

Brown planned to run on the full "People's Guarantee" platform, including a carbon tax which would fund the platform, and which had been the intended 2018 election platform prior to Brown's resignation.

Brown withdrew ten days after announcing his candidacy, claiming that he and his family had been subjected to threats for entering the contest.
His withdrawal occurred hours after reports surfaced that as leader he had directed top party officials: "get me the result I want", in a riding nomination that has subsequently become the focus of a Hamilton Police Service investigation for alleged fraud and also the same day that the Integrity Commissioner announced an investigation of Brown's travel expenses and other alleged financial improprieties.

Date candidacy declared: February 16, 2018
Date candidacy registered with Elections Ontario: February 16, 2018
Date withdrew: February 26, 2018
Endorsements
MPPs:
MPs:
Senators:
Municipal politicians: (1) Shelby Kramp-Neuman (Deputy Mayor of Centre Hastings),
Former MPPs: (1) Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North, 1999–2015)
Former MPs: (1) Brian Storseth (Westlock—St.
Paul, AB, 2006–2015)
Former Senators:
Former municipal politicians:
Nominated candidates: (9)  Troy Crowder (Sudbury), Rudy Cuzzetto (Mississauga—Lakeshore), Mark DeMontis (York South—Weston), Jass Johal (Brampton North), Angely Pacis (Mississauga Centre),  Iris Yu (Spadina—Fort York), Eric Weniger (London—Fanshawe), Dionne Duncan (Hamilton Centre),
Other prominent individuals: (2) Aaron Hopkins (Ontario PC Regional Vice President, GTA East) Thomas DeGroot (Ontario PC Regional Vice President, East)
Organizations:
Media:
Patrick Brown, 42, is the MPP for Simcoe North (2015–2018 as a Progressive Conservative and 2018–present as an independent) and a former Conservative MP for Barrie (2006–2015). He was the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario from 2015 until his 2018 resignation triggered this leadership election. Brown was expelled from the PC caucus hours before registering his candidacy on February 16, 2018. On February 21, 2018 the party's nominations committee approved Brown to seek the leadership in a 3 to 2 vote.
Brown planned to run on the full "People's Guarantee" platform, including a carbon tax which would fund the platform, and which had been the intended 2018 election platform prior to Brown's resignation.
Brown withdrew ten days after announcing his candidacy, claiming that he and his family had been subjected to threats for entering the contest. His withdrawal occurred hours after reports surfaced that as leader he had directed top party officials: "get me the result I want", in a riding nomination that has subsequently become the focus of a Hamilton Police Service investigation for alleged fraud and also the same day that the Integrity Commissioner announced an investigation of Brown's travel expenses and other alleged financial improprieties.
Date candidacy declared: February 16, 2018
Date candidacy registered with Elections Ontario: February 16, 2018
Date withdrew: February 26, 2018
Endorsements
MPPs:
MPs:
Senators:
Municipal politicians: (1) Shelby Kramp-Neuman (Deputy Mayor of Centre Hastings),
Former MPPs: (1) Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North, 1999–2015)
Former MPs: (1) Brian Storseth (Westlock—St. Paul, AB, 2006–2015)
Former Senators:
Former municipal politicians:
Nominated candidates: (9)  Troy Crowder (Sudbury), Rudy Cuzzetto (Mississauga—Lakeshore), Mark DeMontis (York South—Weston), Jass Johal (Brampton North), Angely Pacis (Mississauga Centre),  Iris Yu (Spadina—Fort York), Eric Weniger (London—Fanshawe), Dionne Duncan (Hamilton Centre),
Other prominent individuals: (2) Aaron Hopkins (Ontario PC Regional Vice President, GTA East) Thomas DeGroot (Ontario PC Regional Vice President, East)
Organizations:
Media:
2018 Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leadership election