Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives have been handed their second straight majority government..It was a night that saw both Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath resign as head of their parties. .During his victory speech in Toronto, Ford said he wanted to make life affordable for Ontarians, including by cutting the gas tax.."When I think about the workers, when I think about the unions who got behind us in this election, when I think about the coalition that we've built together, it's incredible," Ford said.."There was a time not long ago when some of the same people who are with us now couldn't see a home for themselves in this party," he said. "It wasn't easy. We had to admit our mistakes. We had to build back confidence. And that journey, it's not over..The Conservatives won a total of 83 seats, while the NDP won 31 seats, the Liberals won eight seats, and the Greens won a single seat, and an independent candidate also won a seat..The Liberals had an abysmal night, failing to obtain the 12 seats required to regain party status..Del Duca also lost his former riding of Vaughan-Woodbridge to Conservative MPP Michael Tobillo, as he did back in 2018..Speaking to supporters in Vaughan, Del Duca said it was time for him to resign..“I have no doubt that the women and men we have elected will do their part, more than their part to grow a new progressive movement in this province,” he said..“It will however, be a movement that will be lead by a new leader. Earlier this evening I informed our party president of my intention to step down.”.Despite being re-elected by a handsome margin in her seat of Hamilton Centre, Horwath also said it was time to "pass the baton.".“We didn’t get there this time,” Horwath, who has led the party since 2009, told an election night crowd of supporters..“And you know what, it makes sad but it me happy, because our team is so strong right now," she said through tears..During her election night speech, Horwath said the majority of Ontarians did not support the Progressive Conservatives, "and Doug Ford needs to realize that."."Ontarians did not vote for more cuts and privatization of the things that matter the most to us. Ontarians did not vote for more painful waits or more hallway medicine. Or for more of our schools to crumble into disrepair," she said as the members of the crowd yelled "shame!".Leader of the Green Party Mike Schreiner won re-election in his riding of Guelph by a large margin, but the party failed to win a seat in Parry Sound-Muskoka.."As we build connected communities we will fight to stop the sprawl and protect the places we love," Schreiner told supporters..Neither the Ontario Party or the New Blue Party won any seats. Ontario Party Leader Derek Sloan, came in fourth place in the riding Hastings-Lennox and Addington, which he once held as an MP, while New Blue Party Leader Jim Karahalios came in fourth in Kitchener-Conestoga..Independent candidate Bobbi Ann Brady managed to win the riding of Haldimand-Norfolk. She was Executive Assistant to Conservative MPP Toby Barret for 23 years, and was also a provincial and national gold medalist in kickboxing..The election results were delayed in 19 ridings due to voting issues at a combined 27 polling stations, with some not releasing results until as late as 11 p.m.
