A longstanding area Conservative MP will not seek re-election in 2019.
Dave Van Kesteren says "it has been a great run" after serving 12 years as MP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington.
Van Kesteren tells CTV news he wants to spend more time with his family noting he and his wife are expecting their 37th grandchild in a few months time.
The 62-year old Chatham resident was first elected to Ottawa on January 23rd, 2006.
Van Kesteren says by announcing his intentions early, it will give other people a chance to prepare for the local Conservative nomination.
