Joe Preston, a former Conservative MP, is looking to re-enter politics – but this time at the municipal level.
The 63-year-old has announced his intention to run for mayor of St. Thomas in the upcoming fall elections.
Preston, who also runs a business, shared his plans outside city hall on Tuesday.
“My track record championing St. Thomas and providing strong leadership is clear,” Preston said in a statement to the media.
He served as the representative for Elgin-Middlesex-London from 2004 until 2015, choosing not to run again that year as he stepped away from politics.
In his announcement on Tuesday, Preston mentioned the new provincial government led by Doug Ford.
“There is a new culture at Queen’s Park and we will need to seize on the new direction to bring direct benefits to local residents and businesses,” said Preston, adding he wants to see St. Thomas evolve beyond being just a “commuting city.”
Two other candidates have officially declared their intent to run for mayor – St. Thomas councillor Steve Wookey and artist Malichi Malé.
The current mayor, Heather Jackson, has not yet submitted her nomination papers. The deadline is July 27.
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