Maverick MP Ken McDonald bows out of next election, with parting thoughts on Liberal woes

Newfoundland and Labrador MP Ken McDonald is closing the Ottawa chapter of his life, but he says it's not due to problems plaguing the federal Liberals or clashes he's had with his own caucus.

«I'll finish up whenever the election is called. I'll finish up and come home for a while,» McDonald told CBC Newson Wednesday morning.

McDonald, who represents the Avalon riding, told CBC's on Tuesday he won't run again for the Liberals. He said he and his wife decided it was time for him to retire from federal politics.

He said he thinks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership needs to be examined, even though he thinks time may be running out for a new leader to turn around the party's fortunes before the next election, expected in 2025.

«I can't think of anyone that would probably come in and do a better job,» said McDonald, who was first elected in 2015. «I don't know if that's possible, because time is getting short now for the next election.»

Tough time for Liberals

Last week, the Liberals lost a byelection Toronto-St. Paul, which had been a long-standing Liberal seat, to the Conservatives. Since the defeat, some MPs have called Trudeau's leadership into question

In an email to the Liberal caucus, Liberal MP Wayne Long of New Brunswick called on Trudeau to resign as leader, with McDonald replying in an email with, «Well said!»

Asked about the exchange, McDonald said he doesn't know the country needs a different prime minister.

«But what we do need is a national caucus meeting, in person, for people to be able to speak their minds and hash it out as a caucus.»

That's where they could talk about whether Trudeau should stay on or hold a leadership review, he added.

«A lot of people are nervous right now. I've talked to colleagues from