The former cabinet minister who helped lead a failed rebellion against Premier Greg Selinger is leaving provincial politics.
CTV has confirmed Theresa Oswald will not run again for her seat in Seine River.
On Tuesday, the former cabinet minister told CTV she met with the premier earlier in the day to share the decision.
"I let him know, after much soul-searching and deliberating, that I will not be seeking re-election coming up in the spring," she said.
Selinger barely defeated Oswald in a leadership race in March.
Following that contest, Oswald turned down a cabinet post.
She was one of five former cabinet ministers who resigned after Selinger refused to step down due to low polling numbers over the PST hike.
On Tuesday, Selinger tweeted a message about Oswald's departure from provincial politics.
Thank you, @TheresaOswaldMB for your thirteen years of dedicated service. A real champion of healthcare for all Manitobans #mbpoli
— Greg Selinger (@GregSelinger) October 27, 2015
Oswald has been the MLA for Seine River since 2003.
"I was ready to do something different now. After three terms, I think it's really important to allow new blood into the party, allow people to have that new opportunity," said Oswald.
As for career highlights, Oswald noted her time spent as the province's longest-serving health minister and the government's work to improve cancer treatments.
She expressed gratitude to her constituents and said family played a big role in her decision.
"My son, who just turned 10 last month, has never known a day on this earth where mommy wasn't an elected official," said Oswald. "I really took that to heart when I made my decision."
As for future plans, the former teacher said she remains committed to her constituents and will make decisions on what's next following the election.
"I have not signed any contracts or committed to any roles going foward," said Oswald."I'm very optimistic about my ability to find a way to contribute and make the world a better place – just outside of politics."
