Progressive Conservative Frank Klees says his decision not to run in the next Ontario election has nothing to do with fears the party will once again end up in Opposition.
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Klees says after 20 years in public life, it's time to pass the baton to someone else to represent the Tories in the riding.
He plans to stay on the job until the election, which is expected this spring, and says leaving is "absolutely not" an indication of a lack of confidence in Tim Hudak's leadership of the PC party.
Klees lost two previous bids to become leader, to John Tory in 2004 and to Hudak in 2009, but dismisses suggestions he will sit out the election and launch another leadership campaign if Hudak fails to lead the Tories to victory.
He says his days in elected office are over, and he will return to the private sector, although his future is "not clear" at the moment.
Klees admits he and Hudak had their differences, but insists both remain committed to Conservative ideals and to defeating the Liberal government.
