There won’t be a sixth term for Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton.
The popular, Conservative incumbent announced today that he will not be running in the next federal election.
Stanton, who also serves as deputy speaker in the House of Commons, symbolically announced his decision on the day marking the one-year anniversary of the start of the last federal election campaign.
And since minority Parliaments last, on average, less than two years, Stanton said it was important to give the party time to pick a replacement candidate.
According to Stanton, in a minority parliament, no one can predict when the next election will be, meaning his decision to step down will allow the Conservative Party of Canada and the Simcoe North riding association time to begin the process of choosing a new candidate.
“It is an honour and privilege to serve the people of this riding,” Stanton said in the release.
“The people here; business leaders, community and charitable organization members and volunteers, and the thousands of people with whom I have had the chance to meet and serve, are a constant source of inspiration and have been the motivation for my attentions as a public servant since 2006.”
But Stanton, who plans to continue serving an MP and fulfilling all his parliamentary duties for the remaining term, said he will remain active in the region.
“I won’t be going away,” he added. “(My wife) Heather and I and our family will continue to be active in the community that’s been our family’s home for generations.”
Stanton’s latest election victory occurred last October when he easily defeated runner-up Gerry Hawes, who represented the governing Liberals.
"I'm pretty elated at the win here today," Stanton told supporters at Coldwater’s Bonaire Golf Club shortly after being declared the victor.
"It's such an honour to continue representing the people of Simcoe North. It's humbling."
An interview request has been sent to Stanton.
