Long time Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Bev Shipley surprised the crowd at  a BBQ in Strathroy Sunday by announcing he will not be running again in the next federal election.

Shipley told the crowd “it has been the greatest honor representing the people of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, and I am truly grateful for their support over the past years that I have been their MP.”

Shipley was first elected in 2006 and has held various posts in the Tory caucus, and points out he has had two private members motions passed which he says “have brought positive influence on government decisions.”

Shipley says “there is still a lot of work to do between now and the next election.”

That is expected to come in October of 2019.