Longtime Ottawa MPP Lisa Macleod won't seek re-election

Lisa MacLeod, MPP for Nepean, says she won't be seeking re-election. (Giacomo Panico/CBC - image credit)
Lisa MacLeod, MPP for Nepean, says she won't be seeking re-election. (Giacomo Panico/CBC - image credit)

Longtime Ottawa Progressive Conservative MPP Lisa MacLeod won't be seeking re-election.

MacLeod announced her decision in a video posted to social media Friday.

"I started as the youngest person in two Parliaments and I'm leaving as the longest-serving woman in this term," she said in the video.

"It's been an honour to serve you at Queen's Park and in our community as a local representative, opposition critic, and cabinet minister."

MacLeod, who represents the Nepean riding, was first elected in March 2006 to represent the then-riding of Nepean—Carleton, replacing John Baird when he made the jump to federal politics. She won re-election five more times, including three times in Nepean-Carleton and twice in the redrawn riding of Nepean.

She ran unsuccessfully for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party in a race that was eventually won by current Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.

WATCH | Nepean MP Lisa MacLeod won't seek re-election:

MacLeod was appointed to Premier Doug Ford's first cabinet in June 2018, serving as minister of children, community and social services and later as minister of tourism, culture and sport.

In 2019, as then minister of children, community and social services, MacLeod introduced changes to Ontario's autism funding model that drew swift and sharp condemnation from families. She became the target of threats and has sometimes received special police protection.

She was dropped from cabinet in a May 2022 shuffle, but continued to serve an MPP and has been a member of the public accounts committee since August 2022.

MacLeod has been open about her struggles with mental health, including depression and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

About two weeks after being re-elected in the June 2022 election for the sixth time in her career — and on the same day she lost her cabinet post — MacLeod announced she was taking some time off to address her mental and physical health.

Ford called MacLeod a "true champion," who served the people of Ontario for almost two decades.

"I most admire her bravery in sharing her journey to mental wellness and her dedication to always standing up for what she believes in. Lisa will forever be a part of our Ontario PC family," Ford said.