Bonnie Crombie has formally ended her tenure as the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. The 65-year-old politician submitted her resignation on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to rebuild following a significant electoral setback.
The Path to Resignation
The decision follows nearly a year after Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives secured a historic third consecutive term in the February 2025 provincial election. Crombie had initially announced her intention to step down in September 2025, with her official departure now confirmed at the start of 2026.
Crombie, who took over the party leadership from Steven Del Duca in December 2023, faced a personal defeat in the last election. She failed to win a seat in the provincial legislature, narrowly losing to Conservative candidate Silvia Gualtieri in her riding.
Crombie's Statement and Legacy
In a public statement released on Wednesday, Crombie explained her reasoning. "After careful reflection, I have made the decision to step aside as Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party," she said. "As we begin a new year, I believe this is the right moment for me and for the party, to move forward."
She expressed pride in the work done to revitalize the party and extended gratitude to members, volunteers, and supporters. Crombie also highlighted a personal milestone, stating she looks forward to spending more time with her family and welcoming her first grandchild.
Kathryn McGarry, President of the Ontario Liberal Party, publicly thanked Crombie for her service. "Bonnie stepped forward at a critical moment and played an important role in rebuilding our party, growing our movement, and positioning us for the future," McGarry stated.
What Comes Next for the Ontario Liberals
With Crombie's departure, the party's immediate next steps are clear. The Ontario Liberals will now appoint an interim leader, a process expected to unfold in the coming weeks. This will be followed by a full leadership race to select a permanent successor who will guide the party into the next electoral cycle.
Bonnie Crombie's political career spans multiple levels of government:
- Elected as a Liberal MP for Mississauga-Streetsville in the 2008 federal election.
- Entered municipal politics, winning a Mississauga city council byelection in 2011.
- Served as Mayor of Mississauga from 2014 until January 2024, succeeding the legendary Hazel McCallion.
- Resigned as mayor one month after being named provincial Liberal leader in December 2023.
The search for a new leader comes at a crucial time for the Ontario Liberal Party as it aims to regain relevance and mount a credible challenge to the governing Progressive Conservatives.
