A longtime NDP MP from Ontario says she is retiring from politics and will not seek re-election in 2019.

Irene Mathyssen, who’s held the riding of London-Fanshaw for 12 years, said in a statement Monday she has decided not to seek a fifth political term.

“It has been my distinct honour and pride to serve this community – as a mother, as a teacher, as a community member, as a Member of Provincial Parliament, and as your Federal Member of Parliament,” she wrote. “I am grateful for the people of London who have placed their trust in me and given me the opportunity to champion so many progressive causes over the years.”

She said she plans to serve out her term and thanked her family and staff for their support.

First elected in 2006, Mathyssen is the longest serving MP in the London, Ontario area and has earned a reputation for her feisty interventions on issues including cuts at Canada Post, poverty and women’s issues.

During her time in Ottawa, she’s served as the NDP’s critic for seniors issues, the status of women and veterans affairs. She’s also served as the NDP’s caucus chair.

In 2015, she introduced a motion in parliament that called for an GST exemption on feminine products. Nicknamed the “tampon tax” motion, it earned all party support in the Commons with feminine products formally granted a tax exemption on July 1, 2015.

A high school teacher for more than 25 years, Mathyseen previously worked as a member of provincial parliament where she served in Bob Rae’s cabinet from 1990 to 1995.

Following her retirement, Mathyssen said she plans “to remain active in a civilian capacity to create the stronger, more inclusive and fair society we know is possible,” before quoting the late NDP Leader Jack Layton’s letter to Canadians.

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”

More to come…