MPP Bill Murdoch announces his retirement
Posted by John Malloy on 07/09/2010
By Chris Fell –
MPP Bill Murdoch announced on Monday morning that he will not run in the next provincial election and is retiring from politics.
Murdoch held a special press conference at his Owen Sound office on Monday morning to make his decision official. The next election is being held in October 2011. Murdoch said he would not be a candidate at that time.
“I’m here to announce I won’t run in that one. I think it’s time to move on,” said the MPP. “Next year it will be 21 years since I’ve been your MPP. And before that I had 12 years in municipal government. We’ve had a pretty good run,” he told media, numerous supporters, friends, staff and family that were on hand for his announcement.
Murdoch will remain MPP until the next election. The Progressive Conservative Party is expected to hold a nomination meeting this October to give the next candidate one year to prepare for the election.
Murdoch maintained a cheerful demeanor at the announcement. His voice cracked with emotion a couple times when he mentioned his close supporters and family. His wife Sue was by his side as he made the announcement.
Murdoch said he has no health issues and is not leaving provincial politics to pursue a career in another political arena.
“I’m healthy. I’m okay. I think there just comes a time. I’m 65 years old. We still have our farm. I’ve done what I can do at Queen’s Park,” he said. “I don’t see politics in the future. Not after 33 years,” he said.
Murdoch briefly recounted his colourful career at Queen’s Park when speaking with reporters. He pointed out that he has done just about everything at the legislature including: sitting as a member of the third party, sitting in opposition, sitting as part of the government and sitting as an independent. During his time as MPP he has served under four Premiers: Bob Rae, Mike Harris, Ernie Eves and Dalton McGuinty.
www.simcoe.com
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