Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie has cancelled what would have been her first public appearance since announcing she will resign, skipping the International Plowing Match in Niagara.
Crombie, who became leader in 2023, said over the weekend that she will step down once a successor is chosen, following a leadership review where she received just 57 per cent support. The decision has triggered the Ontario Liberals’ third leadership race since 2020.
Traditionally, the plowing match is a key event for Ontario’s political class, with leaders from all four major parties attending to speak, mingle with rural voters, and even compete in a friendly furrow-plowing contest.
Instead of Crombie, Liberal agriculture critic Ted Hsu will represent the party this year.
Party insiders say preparations for the upcoming leadership contest will now accelerate, with key decisions looming on the length of the race, voting format, and candidate entry fees — all part of the Liberals’ push to reset after a disappointing election result and internal divisions.
Would you like me to combine this with your previous leadership resignation coverage to create a single, more detailed feature on Crombie’s exit and what it means for the party’s future?