The Ontario Liberal caucus has chosen John Fraser as its nominee for interim party leader, a position he is set to assume for the third time.
While the nomination must still be approved by riding association presidents and the party’s executive council, Ontario Liberal Party president Kathryn McGarry confirmed in a message to members that the caucus has selected Fraser. McGarry said details of the party’s upcoming leadership race will be announced by Feb. 9.
The leadership transition follows the resignation of Bonnie Crombie, who stepped down last week after receiving lukewarm support in a leadership review held in the fall. Crombie led the Liberals to regain official party status and increase their seat count in last year’s snap election, but the party remained in third place and she failed to win her own seat.
Fraser has represented the Ottawa South riding since 2013. He previously served as interim leader after former premier Kathleen Wynne resigned in 2018, and again following Steven Del Duca’s resignation after the Liberals’ 2022 election loss.