Manitoba NDP's James Allum to finish term, won't seek re-election

WINNIPEG -- A member of Manitoba's Opposition New Democrats says he is leaving politics.

James Allum says he will serve out his term but will not run for re-election in 2020.

Allum, who is 57, was first elected in 2011 in the Fort Garry Riverview seat in Winnipeg.

He served as education minister and justice minister for a few years before the NDP lost the 2016 election.

Allum says he has nothing lined up yet for a career after politics, but adds he wants to spend time taking care of other matters in his life.

Allum also says he is optimistic about the NDP's prospects in the coming years.

"I am really hopeful for the core of new MLAs that we have with Wab (Kinew) as our leader," Allum said Friday.

"I've said since the last election that the people of Manitoba have told us that they want generational change in the NDP. And for me to say that means it needs to include me."

Fellow New Democrat Rob Altemeyer announced earlier this year that he will not seek re-election either.