Ontario Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie is stepping down even though she won a weekend leadership review at the party’s annual general meeting in Toronto.
Delegates met at the Sheraton Hotel September 12 to 14 for the AGM, which included the leadership vote. Crombie received 57 per cent support – more than the 50 per cent plus one required under the party constitution – but well below the 66 per cent threshold some party members said she needed to secure her position.
Crombie initially pledged to continue, calling the leadership “the opportunity of a lifetime” in her acceptance speech. Hours later she posted a resignation letter on X saying that, while she had a majority of support, she believed stepping aside was the best decision for the Ontario Liberal Party to facilitate an “orderly transition” toward a new leadership vote.
Crombie was elected party leader in 2023 and led the Liberals back to official party status in this spring’s snap provincial election, although she lost her own seat February 27. She says she will remain leader until a successor is chosen.
Premier Doug Ford thanked Crombie on social media for her years of public service as an MP, mayor and provincial leader, while Prime Minister Mark Carney praised her leadership and dedication to Ontarians and Canadians.
The party has not yet announced when the next leadership vote will take place.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)