Photo: Reuters
Bonnie Crombie has decided to step down as the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. This came after she received a weak result in a vote by the party members during their annual meeting. The decision means the Ontario Liberals will soon start looking for a new leader.
Crombie’s choice surprised many people because just hours before announcing her resignation, she had said she planned to stay on as leader. However, after thinking carefully and speaking with party members and her family, she changed her mind. She said stepping down was the best decision for the party to have a smooth change in leadership.
Who Is Bonnie Crombie?
Bonnie Crombie is a well-known Canadian politician. Before leading the Ontario Liberal Party, she was the mayor of Mississauga, which is a large city near Toronto. Crombie has worked in politics for many years and is known for focusing on important issues like healthcare, housing, education, and fighting climate change.
She describes herself as a centrist, which means she wants ideas from both sides of politics that can help most people. She said she is socially progressive and careful with money, meaning she supports fair social programs but wants the government to spend money wisely.
In late 2023, Crombie won the leadership race for the Ontario Liberal Party. She then left her job as mayor to take on the role of party leader. As leader, her goal was to help the Liberal Party grow and win back power in Ontario. She promised to make life more affordable for families and improve the health system.
What Happened at the Ontario Liberal Party’s Meeting?
In September 2025, the Ontario Liberals held their Annual General Meeting (AGM). This meeting is important because party members vote to decide key issues, including leadership.
During this meeting, party members voted on whether to have a new leadership race or keep Crombie as the leader. The vote was close but showed weak support for Crombie — only 57% of delegates voted to keep her as leader. According to the party’s rules, she needed just over 50% to stay leader. However, many people in the party hoped she would get at least 66%. Since she did not reach that number, many began to question her leadership.
The Result and Crombie’s Response
At first, after the vote, Crombie said she wanted to stay as leader. She thought having a new leadership race right away could hurt the party. But, a few hours later, after speaking with her family, friends, and party leaders, she changed her mind.
She released a statement saying it was the best choice for the party if she stepped down to allow a smooth transition to a new leader. Crombie said this decision was more important than personal ambition or ego. She said it was about uniting the party and preparing for a better future.
Why Did the Party Vote Against Stronger Support for Crombie?
The Liberal Party has been struggling in recent elections. Though they won more seats in the last election than before (14 seats), they are still the third-largest party and did not become the official opposition.
Many people in the party believe that new leadership could help refresh the party and give it better chances in the future. Some party members think new ideas and energy are needed to challenge the current government, led by Premier Doug Ford.
A review of the last election campaign showed problems with the party’s strategy. For example, some members thought focusing too much on health care was not enough. Also, there were issues with how the party communicated during the campaign. Some felt the party was not connecting well with people outside Toronto, especially those in northern and rural areas.
What Did Experts and Party Members Say?
Experts agree that the Liberal Party needs to rethink who they are and what they stand for. There are different groups inside the party. Bonnie Crombie's ideas are more in the middle of the political spectrum, while some others want the party to move more to the left side. For the party to do well, these groups want to find some common ground.
Nate Erskine-Smith, a federal Member of Parliament who ran for the Ontario Liberal leadership in 2023 and came close to winning, has said he might run again once the new leadership race starts. He believes a leadership race will bring more excitement, money, and better chances for the party.
Charles Bird, a political strategist, said the party needs to act fast to find a new leader. He warned that waiting too long for a leadership race could be bad because the party leader would not have enough time to connect with voters before the next election.
What Challenges Does the Ontario Liberal Party Face?
The Ontario Liberals have not been in government since 2018. Before that, they had been the ruling party for over 14 years. Their recent struggles mean many people don’t see them as the main choice for change.
The party has problems attracting younger voters, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and unions. Many volunteers who once helped the party don’t work as much as before. Party workers outside big cities feel left out. These problems reduce the party’s strength.
Critics say the party spends too little money between elections, making it harder to stay strong. They also say the party has an aging base of supporters and must find ways to attract new people.
What Happens Next for the Party?
Now that Bonnie Crombie has announced she will step down after a new leader is chosen, the Ontario Liberals plan to hold a third leadership race since 2020. The timeline for this race has not been announced yet, but experts expect it to happen quickly.
Party leaders want someone who can inspire Ontarians and offer new ideas to defeat the current government. Candidates may come from the current members of the party in the legislature, or from outside, with fresh ideas and support.
Noah Parker, a party organizer who wants a new leader soon, said the party faces many challenges and that a leadership race could bring new energy, fundraising, and hope to the party.
The Reaction from Other Politicians
Ontario Premier Doug Ford publicly thanked Bonnie Crombie for her years of hard work in politics. He said politics asks a lot from people and wished her well in the future.
Other members of the Liberal Party praised Crombie for her service but agreed it was time for new leadership. Some party members who met with Crombie said she listened carefully to their advice before deciding to resign.
What Was Bonnie Crombie’s Leadership Like?
Why Did the Liberals Not Win More Seats?
In the election held earlier in 2025, the Liberals gained more seats but still placed third. They were not able to become the official opposition party, which is the main group opposing the government in the legislature.
Bonnie Crombie herself ran in a district called Mississauga East—Cooksville but did not win a seat. This meant she could lead the party, but she was not part of the provincial government.
Bonnie Crombie’s resignation as Ontario Liberal Party leader marks a new start for the party. Weak support in a recent party vote showed many members want change. The party is preparing for a new leadership race and needs fresh ideas to attract voters across the province.
Crombie said stepping down was the best choice for the party’s unity and future success. The Ontario Liberals now face the challenge of finding a leader who can bring the party back to power and offer Ontarians a new vision and hope.
This story uses simple words, clear sentences, and a friendly tone. It explains all the important facts about Bonnie Crombie leaving leadership, the party’s struggles, and what may happen next. It is easy to read and understand while covering the news comprehensively at a level suitable for an 8th-grade student.
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