A veteran member of Parliament is calling it a career.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Bev Shipley announced Sunday that he will not run in the 2019 federal election.
The announcement was made by Shipley during his community summer barbecue at Poplar Hill Park in Middlesex Centre, later confirmed by a press release posted on his official Facebook page.
The 71-year-old Shipley, a Conservative, has represented the riding in Ottawa since 2006, during a political career that has lasted over 30 years.
"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," said Shipley.
During his time in the House of Commons, Shipley served on many committees, and was chairman of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food from October 2013 until the Tories lost its majority in 2015.
Before being elected MP, Shipley had served as a Lobo Township councillor, warden of Middlesex County and mayor of Middlesex Centre.
Shipley first ran for federal office in the 2004 federal election, narrowly losing to Liberal Rose-Marie Ur. In 2006, Ur decided not to stand for re-election and Shipley won the seat. He was re-elected in 2008, 2011 and 2015.
Shipley says he fully expects to remain busy with the remainder of his term in Ottawa.
"There is still a lot of work to do between now and when the next election is called," said Shipley. "We have an intelligent, genuine leader in Andrew Scheer and a strong team of Conservative members who are listening and working hard for Canadians. Conservatives will always put Canada first."
