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

Longtime OttawaProgressive 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 NepeanCarleton, 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 theProgressive Conservative party in a race that was eventually won by current Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.

MacLeod was appointed toPremier 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 modelthat drew swift and sharp condemnation from families. She became the target of threats and has sometimes receivedspecial police protection.

She was dropped from cabinet in aMay 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 ofbipolar disorder.

About two weeks afterbeing re-elected in theJune 2022 electionfor the sixth time in her career and on the same day she lost her cabinet postMacLeod announced she wastaking 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.