Tory House leader Hill won't seek re-election

CBC News: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 | 8:17 AM PT

Jay Hill, the Conservative government's House leader and veteran MP for the British Columbia riding of Prince George-Peace River, will not seek re-election in the next federal vote, his office says in a statement. Hill's departure leaves a key position in Prime Minister Stephen Harper's cabinet and is likely to prompt speculation of a summer shuffle.

Hill, 57, informed the board of directors for his riding association of his decision after a meeting Tuesday night in Fort St. John, B.C., the statement said.

"I've always felt that for politicians the time to go is when things are still going well … when you’ve reached the crest of the hill, but before starting down the other side. For me that time is now,” Hill said in the statement. "I must ensure that those to whom I owe my greatest loyalty and immense gratitude, and who have always been there to support me through seven federal elections and all the years in between, have sufficient time to select the next Conservative candidate for our great constituency." Hill, was first elected as an MP in 1993 for the now defunct Reform Party.

Full Statement Here: