Andrea Horwath, Steven Del Duca step down as Ontario party leaders

The leaders of two of the four major political parties in Ontario have resigned.

Both Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca announced Thursday night during a concession speech that they are stepping down from their post.

The Liberals were unable to secure official party status once again, and Del Duca failed to win in his own riding of Vaughan-Woodbridge.

Del Duca says the party will be moving forward with a new leader. He has been the head of the Ontario Liberal Party since March 2020.

Despite the Ontario NDP regaining Official Opposition status, Horwath is stepping down as their leader.

In an emotional speech, Horwath said it was time for her to pass the torch.

Horwath has led the Ontario NDP since 2009 and brought the party to become the Official Opposition in 2018.