Ontario NDP to confirm MPP Marit Stiles as leader in February

Marit Stiles the next leader of the Ontario NDP Davenport MPP Marit Stiles is set to become the next leader of Ontario's NDP after a leadership race where she was the only one running.

The Ontario New Democratic Party has officially brought forward the leadership confirmation vote for Marit Stiles to Feb. 4, a month earlier than anticipated, following a meeting of the party’s provincial council on Thursday.

The original date would have seen a leadership vote take place on March 4.

“Marit Stiles is a principled and committed fighter for Ontario families. Under her leadership, we can resist Ford’s agenda of cuts and privatization, and get to work building a movement that will win more for working people and their families,” NDP President Janelle Brady said in a statement issued Thursday.

“Ontario needs a strong NDP, and with Marit as our new leader, we’ll be stronger than ever. We’ll grow our movement, build capacity in every community and offer people hope for the future.”

Stiles, the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Davenport, is the only candidate running for leader of the Ontario NDP. Once confirmed, she immediately assume leadership, taking over from Peter Tabuns, who has been acting as interim leader since Andrea Horwath resigned in June.

The NDP confirmed Stiles would be running unopposed in early December, saying they are confident she can “unite the province to defeat (Premier) Doug Ford.”

“Together with Marit, we will work to build a party and a 2026 election campaign with space for working people and labour, progressives, racialized and equity-deserving Ontarians, and young people," Ontario NDP President Janelle Brady said in a statement on Dec. 6.

Political analysts previously suggested the NDP get the confirmation vote “over with” instead of waiting until the March convention date.

“There's no suspense over who it's going to be. Put the reins in their hands,” CTV News’ Political Analyst Scott Reid said back in December.

“She's the only candidate. She will win, so make it official fast and then let her get going at the difficult job she has.”

The legislature resumes on Feb. 21.