Bonnie Crombie resigns as Ontario Liberal leader, effective immediately
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Bonnie Crombie resigns as Ontario Liberal leader, effective immediately
Bonnie Crombie stepped down as Ontario Liberal leader effective immediately, ending a two-year tenure after a lukewarm 57% leadership vote and a 2025 election loss.
News
Bonnie Crombie resigns as Ontario Liberal leader, effective immediately
Bonnie Crombie stepped down as Ontario Liberal leader effective immediately, ending a two-year tenure after a lukewarm 57% leadership vote and a 2025 election loss.
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By Torontoer Staff
Bonnie Crombie resigned Wednesday as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, effective immediately. She had previously said she would leave after a leadership vote in the fall, but announced an earlier departure at the start of the year.
In a statement, Crombie said, "As we begin a new year, I believe this is the right moment for me and for the party to move forward. I am incredibly proud of the work we have done together to rebuild and renew our party."
Background and political record
Crombie, the former mayor of Mississauga, became party leader in 2024 and held the role for two years. Her leadership faced questions after she received 57 per cent support at the Ontario Liberal Party’s annual general meeting in September, a result she cited when first announcing plans to step down.
She led the provincial Liberals into the February 2025 snap election called by Premier Doug Ford. The party won 14 seats, up from nine, and finished second in the popular vote with about 30 per cent support. That result returned the Liberals to official party status and restored research and travel resources for its MPPs.
It’s a game changer for us. It allows our colleagues to have research and travel abilities, and that’s something we didn’t have for seven years.
John Fraser, Liberal parliamentary leader
Crombie did not win her own seat in Mississauga, and the party did not form the official Opposition despite receiving nearly 600,000 more votes than the New Democrats under Marit Stiles. Her tenure included early campaign missteps that drew attention, including comments about Greenbelt land swaps and remarks about governing to the right of centre, both of which she later walked back.
Party response and next steps
Kathryn McGarry, president of the Ontario Liberal Party, thanked Crombie for rebuilding the party and said an interim leader will be chosen shortly while the party sets a timeline for a full leadership contest.
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.
Kathryn McGarry, Ontario Liberal Party president
McGarry has not announced a date for the leadership race, but said a timetable will be released soon. Crombie had originally indicated she would stay until a successor was in place, but decided an immediate exit would serve the party better as it prepares for the coming year.
Potential successors
Several figures have signalled interest in the party’s top job, and Crombie’s swift departure may accelerate declarations. Names under consideration include sitting MPs and caucus members with varying profiles and geographic bases.
- Nate Erskine-Smith, federal MP and runner-up to Crombie in the 2023 leadership race, is assembling a team for a potential bid.
- Lee Fairclough, Ontario Liberal caucus member and former hospital president, has said she is exploring a run and emphasised the importance of a leader who holds a seat in the legislature.
- Adil Shamji, caucus member, described the decision as enormous and said he is weighing the personal and political commitment required.
- Rob Cerjanec, caucus member, has also indicated serious interest in running.
- Ted Hsu, who finished fourth in the 2023 leadership race, has ruled out another bid.
- Mike Crawley, former Liberal Party president, is reportedly considering a run.
Longtime Liberal strategist Sharan Kaur said the party needs fresh energy and a clear vision to re-energize members and attract voters.
I think what the party needs is a vision. They need to get excited about someone and right now what I’m seeing based on those who are putting their hand up to run, I don’t see that excitement coming up.
Sharan Kaur, Navigator principal
John Fraser, who will not run for the leadership, said the next leader must be willing to travel extensively and be a strong communicator and team player, noting the practical demands of rebuilding a provincial party.
What this means for the party
Crombie’s departure creates a compressed timeline for candidates and organisers. The party must quickly name an interim leader, set rules and a calendar for the leadership contest, and choose a candidate who can convert renewed resources and visibility into broader electoral gains.
Fairclough has said she entered 2026 leaning into a deeper exploration of a run, while others continue assessments of personal and political feasibility. The leadership contest will shape the party’s strategy ahead of the next provincial campaign cycle.
For now, the Ontario Liberals move into a transitional period, balancing the need for internal organisation with the public task of presenting a clear, compelling alternative to the governing Progressive Conservatives.
Bonnie CrombieOntario LiberalsleadershipOntario politicsparty renewal
