The announcement said Crombie’s resignation is effective immediately, triggering an interim leadership process as the party reassesses its direction and strategy. Senior party officials acknowledged her role in rebuilding the Liberals following years of decline, but said the party now needs new leadership to move forward.
Crombie, a former mayor of Mississauga, took over the Ontario Liberal leadership with the aim of restoring the party’s official status at Queen’s Park and positioning it as a strong alternative to the Progressive Conservatives. While the party made gains in visibility and organization under her leadership, it fell short of a breakthrough in the most recent election.
In a brief statement, Crombie thanked party members, volunteers, and supporters, saying it had been an honour to lead the Liberals during a challenging period. She did not outline her next steps, but said she remains committed to public service and progressive values.
Party insiders say discussions are already underway about appointing an interim leader and setting a timeline for a leadership race. The Ontario Liberals currently hold a limited number of seats in the legislature and continue to compete with the NDP to consolidate opposition support.
Political analysts say Crombie’s exit reflects ongoing struggles within the Ontario Liberal Party to redefine its identity and regain voter trust after successive election losses. The leadership change is expected to reshape internal dynamics as the party looks to rebuild ahead of the next provincial contest.
For now, the focus will be on maintaining stability within the caucus while charting a path forward under new leadership.