Dave Van Kesteren has a neighbour who will follow his lead.
After the Chatham-Kent Leamington MP announced earlier this year he won’t seek re-election, his counterpart to the north, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Bev Shipley, said he too won’t run next time.
Shipley announced at his community summer BBQ that he will not be running in the next federal election.
“It’s been the greatest honour representing the people of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, and I am truly grateful for their support over the past years that I have been their MP,” he said in a media release.
Shipley was first elected in January 2006 and served his constituents through the 39th, 40th, 41st, and the current 42nd Parliament.
“The years have gone by quickly,” he said, “and I am proud of the Conservative record of fiscal management, lower taxes and support for families, seniors, our armed forces and veterans, small business and agriculture. I’ve had two Private Member’s Motions pass in the House of Commons, both of which have brought positive influence on government decisions.”
His parliamentary duties over the years include membership on many committees as well as chairing the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food from October 2013 until dissolution of Parliament in 2015.
“There is still a lot of work to do between now and when the next election is called (currently scheduled for October 2019),” Shipley said. “Nearly 13 years ago, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex chose me to speak for them in Parliament. That’s a trust I have upheld and one that will be passed on to another in the next election. I again thank my constituents for that trust and look forward to what the future will bring.”
