REGINA - The federal Conservatives are losing a prominent member from Saskatchewan, but MP Carol Skelton insists her decision to leave politics does not mean her support for Prime Minister Stephen Harper has wavered.
Skelton, minister of national revenue, announced Friday that she will not be seeking re-election in the riding of Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar.
"I came to the decision that it is time for me to concentrate on the most important aspect of my life, that being my family," Skelton said in a news release.
"My husband, Noel, my children, my grandchildren and my mother mean the world to me."
Skelton, 61, was first elected to Parliament in 2000 and then re-elected in 2004 and 2006. She has also been responsible for western economic diversification since the 2006 vote.
"She has been a committed, dedicated and passionate representative since 2000," said Harper.
"In her all her activities in Parliament, her constituents, and indeed all Canadians, were her first concern."
Saskatchewan NDP Premier Lorne Calvert reacted with surprise, but also questioned Skelton's departure.
"I have a high regard for Carol as a person. We're constituency office neighbours in Saskatoon," said Calvert.
"I know Carol is close to her family, there's no doubt about that," he said. "(But) I have to ask the question, is part of Carol's decision related to the recent polling that shows the Conservative party in Saskatchewan taking the steepest decline anywhere in the country?"
Skelton's announcement comes one day after the Conservatives wrapped up a three-day caucus retreat in Charlottetown where Harper suggested a cabinet shuffle is in the works.
"I'm very proud to serve under him and he gave me a great honour when he made me a cabinet minister," said Skelton.
"But you know it's time to step back and spend some time with my family."
