‘I Will Not Seek Re-Election’ Hampton Tells NDP
Posted June 14, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
After 21 years in politics, including 12 as the leader of Ontario’s NDP party, Howard Hampton is calling it quits. Sort of.
The 56-year-old announced his semi-retirement Saturday, telling party members that he will continue to serve as MPP for Kenora-Rainy River, but will not seek re-election as leader at the March convention.
“After a prolonged period of reflection, I have decided that I will not seek re-election as leader at the next party convention. I look forward to continuing to represent my constituents in Kenora-Rainy River and to spending more time with my wife, Shelley Martel, and our two children, Jonathan and Sarah,” Hampton said in a press release.
Martel, also an NDP politician, spent 20 years at Queen’s Park before retiring in 2007. She represented the riding of Sudbury East from 1987-1999, and Nickel Belt from 1999-2007.
Hampton announced his decision at the Provincial Council, a quarterly meeting for the party and Ontario labour activists.
“It’s been an enormous privilege to serve as Ontario NDP leader for the past 12 years. I am very proud of all that we have achieved over the course of three general election campaigns,” he told the crowd.
“New Democrats are about to embark on a new journey …We will demand a fair deal for all Ontarians – a deal that includes the best education system for our kids, a clean, green environment, top quality public healthcare, well-paying jobs and affordable essentials, such as housing, transportation and public utilities,” Hampton added.
“Today is a time for us to look ahead to a bright future with new opportunities, new ideas and new solutions. Our party is poised to seize it. The future will be ours,” he declared.
Rumours began to circulate that Hampton might step aside after the October election, when the party failed to win more seats. Martel had already retired from provincial politics to spend more time with their children.
Those rumoured to be interested in the job include caucus members Cheri DiNovo, Peter Tabuns and Michael Prue, all of whom represent Toronto ridings. Other names mentioned as possibilities are former federal New Democrat Marilyn Churley and Toronto mayor David Miller.
