Because the environment is so toxic they did not want their careers destroyed because they worked to defend someone who could never be *proven* innocent in the court of public opinion.
I haven't really been following this, but if so - that's too bad. I agree it's gone too far in terms of even the slightest allegation destroying someone's life and career.
This is why "innocent until proven guilty" is enshrined in our justice system.
And why you think it's just fine to assume "Given the stakes this is most likely a political tactic by Wynne/Liberal players.". Is there any reason beyond your dislike of Liberals/liberals that you would assume it's a nefarious plot to ruin a Conservative?