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Legislators

Ontario Liberal Party Leader Bonnie Crombie to Resign Amid Call for Leadership Contest

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The members of the Ontario Liberal caucus have expressed gratitude to leader Bonnie Crombie for her efforts to improve the party's fortunes, despite her recent announcement that she will resign. The caucus stated that Crombie's decision to step down was her own, and that there was no revolt against her leadership. The party will now hold its third leadership contest since 2020, following a disappointing review from party delegates with only 57% of members opposed to holding a leadership race.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ontario Liberal caucus has expressed gratitude to leader Bonnie Crombie for her efforts to improve the party's fortunes, despite her recent announcement that she will resign.
  • The caucus stated that Crombie's decision to step down was her own, and that there was no revolt against her leadership.
  • The party will now hold its third leadership contest since 2020, following a disappointing review from party delegates with only 57% of members opposed to holding a leadership race.
  • Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, a critic of Crombie, has been mentioned as a possible contender for the leadership position, along with Liberal MP Karina Gould, who has not ruled out a run.
  • Liberal MP John Fraser said that caucus members offered Crombie personal support but also advice about what to do next, but declined to share the details of the meeting.
  • The Liberal Party's executive council will meet soon to discuss the details of the upcoming leadership vote.
  • A group called New Leaf Liberals has been pushing for a change in leadership, with some members supporting potential contender Nathaniel Erskine-Smith.
  • Liberal MPP Stephen Blais suggested that a leadership race should happen within six months to recruit candidates, develop policy, and start raising money.

Statistics:

  • 57% of party delegates were opposed to holding a leadership race.
  • 14 members of the Ontario Liberal caucus signed the statement expressing gratitude to leader Bonnie Crombie and confirming that her decision to step down was her own.
  • 2023: The year in which Bonnie Crombie became leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
  • 124: The number of ridings in the province of Ontario.
  • 3: The number of leadership contests held by the Ontario Liberal Party since 2020.
  • 2,000: The number of Ontario Liberal delegates who met to discuss the result of the February snap election.
  • 2020: The year in which the Ontario Liberal Party held its previous leadership contest.

Sources:

  • The members of the Ontario Liberal caucus
  • The Globe and Mail
  • A source familiar with the caucus discussions (identity withheld)
  • New Leaf Liberals

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