After more than 30 years in municipal and provincial politics — Bill Murdoch is calling it quits.
The Progressive Conservative MPP announced today he will not seek re-election in the October 2011 provincial election.
The 65 year old says he’s done all he can at Queen’s Park and he’s ready to end what will be 33 years in civic and provincial politics.
Murdoch told a news conference he’s making the announcement now to give the party time to find a successor.
He says he will not be endorsing any candidates at this time and just wants to see the best person represent the riding.
Murdoch says a nomination meeting will be held this October and he encourages interested candidates to establish their name in the community.
The outspoken Murdoch has represented the Bruce Grey Owen Sound riding since 1990.
He says he’s been fortunate to have been able to sit as a third party, as opposition, as the government, and as an independent.
Murdoch says his greatest accomplishment was to have simply helped people.
Murdoch says his regrets include the fact that the Niagara Escarpment Commission is still around.
He would still like to see changes to the democratic process as well, saying we elect dictators in Canada with too much power given to the Prime Minister and Premiers.
Murdoch was booted from the PC caucus in 2008 for criticizing then leader John Tory.
He was also suspended from the legislature last year over a two-day sit-in to protest the HST.
But the maverick MPP says it was all worth it because Queen’s Park now knows where Owen Sound and Grey Bruce are.
Before becoming MPP in 1990 – Murdoch served 12 years as a Councillor and Reeve in Sydenham Township and was also Warden of Grey County.
About 50 people attended Monday’s news conference to hear Murdoch’s announcement, many of them wearing blue “Team Murdoch” t-shirts.
