This Party Needs a New Leader
September 15, 2025: After an intense Annual General Meeting (AGM) and leadership review held at Toronto’s Sheraton Hotel from September 12 to 14, Bonnie Crombie, the sitting leader of the Ontario Liberals, announced her resignation. Despite securing 57% of the vote—which was sufficient to win the review according to party protocol—some senior members challenged this outcome, arguing that a threshold closer to 66% would be more acceptable. Ultimately, the exact numbers proved insignificant, as Crombie decided not to remain in leadership. She stated, “I believe it is the best decision for the Ontario Liberal Party to facilitate an orderly transition towards a leadership vote.”
In her official statement, Crombie emphasized that her decision prioritized the party’s future over her personal “ego” or “ambition.”
John Fraser, the Liberal parliamentary leader, commented on the situation, suggesting that Crombie had carefully considered the decision both intellectually and emotionally, while also listening to her loyal friends within the party. “Did it happen at the perfect time? No,” Fraser remarked to the media as news broke. “Was it the perfect decision? One hundred percent. It took a lot of courage.”
Crombie, who took office in December 2023 after serving as Mississauga’s sixth mayor and succeeding the legendary Hazel McCallion, acknowledged the significance of the moment. Critics noted that while she technically survived the review, the 57% support indicated substantial dissent within the party and raised doubts about her ability to unify the Liberals.
Her resignation followed the largest AGM in the history of the Ontario Liberal Party, where she recognized the enthusiasm of the members and their decision.
In response to the news, Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed gratitude to Crombie for her years of public service as a former Member of Parliament, mayor, and party leader, wishing her well in her next chapter. Crombie referred to her time as Liberal leader as “the opportunity of a lifetime,” stating that the focus must now shift to preparing the party for its next challenges.
Who’s Next In Line?
Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, who finished second to Crombie in the 2023 leadership contest, has been advocating for “renewal” at the top of the provincial party. In a message to supporters over the summer, he hinted at a potential leadership run, stating that he would make his “ultimate decision once the members have made theirs.”
Noah Parker, a Liberal organizer, expressed his hope that Liberal MP Karina Gould would consider running for the leadership position. Other potential successors include Liberal MP and former provincial cabinet minister Yasir Naqvi and former Liberal MP and current provincial caucus member Ted Hsu, both of whom lost to Crombie in the 2023 election.
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