Leadership limbo

THE LEDE

A Sunday provincial council meeting came and went, and card-carrying Grits still don’t know when — or how — they’ll pick their next leader. But to start, a high-profile chief is out.

SCOOP — With Bonnie Crombie set to become an ex-Liberal leader, Sandra Jansen is out as her chief.

Jansen, an ex-Alberta cabinet minister who was brought on by Crombie post-election, departed this week. A party spokesperson confirmed she’s “on to new adventures,” adding: “we’re sad to see her go.”

Recall: Jansen’s hiring came as Crombie sought to prove she’d learned from the February election — and was serious about creating a “new culture” around her. She said: “We’ve brought in new talent, new energy, and new ideas — and that includes experienced organizers, digital-first communicators, and people who understand what it takes to win in every corner of Ontario.”

Her exit is timely. With the Liberal leader on her way out — though she says she’ll stick around until a successor is chosen — some expect more departures in the coming weeks.