Former Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod rules out Ottawa mayoral race

Former Nepean MPP and Ontario cabinet minister Lisa MacLeod announced Friday she will not seek the mayor's office this fall, ending weeks of speculation after she publicly criticized the city's condition.

MacLeod made the announcement on Facebook Live, saying she would instead focus on her role as editor-in-chief of a travel magazine. Her decision came after she posted widely shared criticism of traffic, city finances, and downtown conditions — remarks that prompted some supporters to urge her to enter the race.

MacLeod had backed Mark Sutcliffe in the 2022 mayoral election but questioned whether Ottawa is "a better place, a safer place and a stronger place" than four years ago. She predicted the upcoming municipal election would centre on traffic, transit, and public safety.

MacLeod served six terms as Progressive Conservative MPP for Nepean and Nepean-Carleton, holding cabinet posts under Premier Doug Ford including children, community and social services and tourism, culture and sport.