This comes via CTV.
...Pat O'Brien, a 12-year member of Parliament known for his strong opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, is leaving politics.
O'Brien, who represents the London-Fanshawe riding in southwestern Ontario, says he will not run in the next election. The former Liberal MP became an Independent in June after disagreeing with the party's stand on the same-sex marriage legislation.
O'Brien spoke in favour of the traditional definition of marriage as between a man and woman.
In a statement released from his Ottawa office, O'Brien says all indications are that he would "stand a good chance" of winning his riding in the next election, even as an Independent.
But he says he and his wife Evelyn have decided that when this term is complete, the time will be right to leave politics.
If he had ran as Independent the Liberals would have lost this seat to either MP O'Brien or to the NDP due to vote splitting. I am not up on local London politics. Who would be the likely Liberal candidate and would they win?
I guess the other question is, will the SoCons who voted for MP O'Brien switch to the Conservative candidate?
