In announcing late Friday he would not be seeking re-election in June and will be resigning his seat at the end of February, MPP Jeff Yurek stressed during his decade in provincial politics, it was important to remain true to his values and beliefs.
In his ten years of representing Elgin-Middlesex-London at Queen’s Park, Yurek maintained, “The people who elect you should be your focus at all times.”
He conceded it can be a balancing act at times putting his constituents first.
Losing his post in the Doug Ford cabinet last summer was just one of many factors Yurek considered when announcing he would not seek re-election in the June provincial vote.
Yurek has repeatedly stressed family is Number 1 “and their advice on whether or not to keep my name going forward or not.”
He adds the decision not to run again was finalized over the Christmas break.
He admits the past two years dealing with the pandemic at various levels has been stressful.
No matter who is elected in the spring vote, Yurek assured he will be supportive and offer assistance and advice.
With Yurek out of the running in the June provincial vote, it raises questions as to whether Elgin-Middlesex-London will remain a Conservative sure bet. He says he will offer advice and his expertise to any candidate seeking to represent the riding.
Yurek credited former MPPs Peter North and Steve Peters, who both held the seat, for helping him launch his political career.
He admits it will be a strange feeling watching the results come in from the sidelines.
When making the decision not to seek re-election, Yurek also had to consider his loyal constituency staff in St. Thomas.
With his active political career drawing to a close at the end of February, Yurek has no definite plans for the future other than looking forward to “getting back into the community.”
He wouldn’t speculate on whether he will return to his pre-political life as a pharmacist in St. Thomas.
