Bonnie Crombie is no longer leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
In a news release Wednesday, the party said her resignation is “effective immediately.”
“As we begin a new year, I believe this is the right moment for me and for the party, to move forward,” Crombie said in a statement.
She said her formal resignation will allow the party to appoint an interim leader.
Crombie said she made the decision “after careful reflection” and added that she is “incredibly proud” of the work she has contributed to in renewing the party.
“I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, including welcoming my first grandchild, while giving the party the space it needs to move forward with new leadership,” she said.
Crombie, the former mayor of Mississauga, won the Liberal leadership race in 2023 and led the party into last year’s winter election. While the Liberals slightly increased their seat count, they finished in third place behind the Progressive Conservatives and the NDP. Crombie also failed to win a seat.
She initially vowed to stay on as Liberal leader, despite the defeat. But following a weak show of support at the party’s annual general meeting in September, she announced she would step aside after the Liberals picked a new leader.
However months later, the party has still not announced a timeline or framework for a leadership contest to replace her.
MPP John Fraser has been leading the party in the legislature since Crombie announced her intention to step down.
More details to come…
