Premier William Howard Hearst had aimed to win a fifth consecutive term for the Conservatives, but instead the party became the first in Ontario history to fall from first to third place.

[7] Arthur Pratt (Norfolk South) opted to campaign as an Independent-Conservative, claiming earlier in the year that at least 27 MLAs privately opposed Hearst's prohibition policy.

In many respects, however, they underestimated the discontent that was simmering among rural Ontarians, and Dewart focused his attention unnecessarily against the Conservative campaign manager George Howard Ferguson.

[8] It had only two incumbent MPPs, Beniah Bowman and John Wesley Widdifield, who had entered the legislature by winning by-elections in Manitoulin and Ontario North.

[13] The Toronto World, generally a Conservative backer, pursued a simmering scandal from 1916[14][15] concerning International Nickel and alleged provincial support of wartime shipments of the metal to Germany via the cargo submarine Deutschland.

"[17] The UFO emerged from the vote with the largest bloc of seats, joining the eleven Labour MLAs to form a coalition government.

The Ontario Liberal Party, led by Hartley Dewart, increased the size of its caucus by a small number, despite turning over more than half the seats held.

The election had several sweeping results:[7] Upon hearing the news of the Conservative defeat, Hearst noted: I will not make any prophecy as to what will take place.

[18]Three days after the election, James J. Morrison, Secretary of the UFO, reported on the way he had addressed the need to form a working majority in the chamber.

They are prepared to assume the fullest share of responsibility and form a Government in co-operation with such members of other parties as are in sympathy with their platform and principles and are free to give support thereto.

[21] Although he was Vice-President of the UFO,[8] Drury had not been a candidate in the election[8] and had to run in a by-election to enter the legislature following his appointment to the office of Premier.