OTTAWA—Gerry Ritz won’t enter the race to lead the Saskatchewan Party, the long-serving Conservative MP said Thursday, after announcing he’s leaving federal politics. “Today I am announcing my intent to resign as the Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster,” Ritz posted on Twitter. In a statement posted earlier on social media, Ritz confirmed he won’t be back in the Commons when House business resumes next month. Ritz said he informed Andrew Scheer of his planned retirement two weeks ago as the Conservative leader was in the midst of putting together his shadow cabinet. After the Liberals came to power and Harper stepped down as Conservative leader, Ritz served as international trade critic under interim party leader Rona Ambrose.

Source: thestar August 31, 2017 14:28 UTC