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Ontario Premier McGuinty resigns, prorogues legislature

At an emergency caucus meeting on Monday evening, the Premier of Ontario made two surprise announcements in this order: 1. The Legislature has been prorogued. 2. He is resigning as premier and party leader. Reporters and politicians were caught off guard by the announcements:

Storified by Maclean's Magazine · Mon, Oct 15 2012 15:55:06

A buzz in the gov't caucus room in anticipation of remarks from @Dalton_McGuinty at 6:15 #sl http://pic.twitter.com/beqaNj40Steven D'Souza

McGuinty's stepping down, I bet you anything. #throwinthechipsAmy Zhou

RT @CPnewsboy: Liberal caucus and media await @Dalton_McGuinty and his surprise announcement? #onpoli http://pic.twitter.com/NyOzcgkXMax B. Rubin

Seats reserved -- allegedly for @Dalton_McGuinty family members -- at Liberal caucus. #onpoli http://pic.twitter.com/mtMWRt4E Robert Benzie

.@Dalton_McGuinty with wife Terri. #onpoli http://pic.twitter.com/q70Ig6nd Robert Benzie

Online speculation is dalton Mcguinty will stand down. No official word yet #tbayJeff Labine

And finally @Dalton_McGuinty arrives at his caucus mtg. #onpoli http://pic.twitter.com/hKH4vcSlRob Ferguson

Standing ovation for @Dalton_McGuinty as he enters caucus room with his wife #sl http://pic.twitter.com/d70GLcooSteven D'Souza

McGuinty starts talking about his history with party....the suspense continues #sl http://pic.twitter.com/dewrEnc9Steven D'Souza

.@Dalton_McGuinty says it's time "to talk about the next step we need to take together." #onpoli #voteon http://pic.twitter.com/b6MPPfIi Robert Benzie

"We've always gotten the big things right" McGuinty addressing emergency caucus meeting #onpoli http://pic.twitter.com/RJEcCvouAshley Csanady

This is the most boring 'breaking news' that I've even seen. Say something McGuinty!Erik R. Adler

Premier McGuinty prorogues the house in Ontario.Mike Villeneuve

And then ... the news:

Premier Dalton McGuinty resignsToronto Star

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has just announced his resignationMaclean's Magazine

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty resigns . McGuinty says he has asked Lt.-Gov. to prorogue legislature.CBC News Alerts

Oh snap! Ontario's premier Dalton McGuinty has resigned.Izabela

Dalton McGuinty, oh man.Michael Desjardins

McGuinty will speak to reporters at 8:30 p.m. Keep watch on our site for continuining coverage of this story.