The fate of former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown's political career is stirring debate among those vying to replace him.
In the first debate of the Tory leadership race, two of the candidates former Tory legislator Christine Elliott and Toronto lawyer Caroline Mulroney say Brown should be allowed to run in the provincial election if he manages to clear his name.
Former Toronto councillor Doug Ford says he would wait to get all the facts before making a decision, while social conservative advocate Tanya Granic Allen says she wouldn't allow Brown to run, though she stressed it was not because of the sexual misconduct allegations that triggered his resignation.
Brown stepped down in late January after CTV News published allegations from two women, which he has categorically denied. Brown now says he will sue the network for publishing what he alleges are false accusations.
Brown's legacy was also questioned in Thursday's debate as both Ford and Granic Allen said they are open to changing the platform put out under their predecessor.
All four candidates have also opposed a key plank and revenue stream in the platform a carbon tax that would replace the cap-and-trade system established by the governing Liberals.
The debate will air on The Agenda With Steve Paikin on TVO at 8 p.m. and again at 11 p.m.
The candidates will face off again on Feb. 28, in a final debate in Ottawa.