After months of speculation, Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife says she won't seek NDP leadership

Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife says after "seriously exploring" entering the race to become the next leader of the Ontario NDP, she has decided against it.

The party is set to choose a new leader in March 2023. Former NDP leader Andrea Horwath stepped down after the provincial election in June after the Progressive Conservatives won a second majority. In Monday's municipal election, Horwath was elected mayor in Hamilton.

After months of speculation that Fife would seek the leadership, she said Tuesday that she decided against it for personal and professional reasons.

"I want to thank everyone who reached out with encouragement and advice," she said, adding she looks forward to supporting the future leader.

So far, Toronto MPPMarit Stiles has announced she will seek the leadership. The party has said candidates who want to run in the leadership race have until early December to register.