Arielle Kayabaga. Photo from Twitter.Arielle Kayabaga. Photo from Twitter.
London

Kayabaga looking to make the leap from municipal to federal politics

A day after Liberal MP Kate Young said she won't be seeking re-election, a London city councillor has announced plans to run for the London West seat.

First-term councillor Arielle Kayabaga took to social media Friday morning to share the news.

"I’m committed to this community. I’m committed to fiercely advocating for positive change," tweeted Kayabaga. "I’ve heard from so many of you asking me to run in London West... London deserves a strong voice to fight for a fair and just recovery."

She continued by asking the community to "placed their trust" in her.

"Why? Because I’m committed to this community. I show up. I want to show up for you as your MP," Kayabaga concluded.

Kayabaga was first elected as the Ward 13 representative in 2018. She is the first Black woman to ever be elected to London city council. While her term on council is not up until the fall 2022 municipal election, council members are permitted to take a three month leave without having to give up their seat.

Young has held the London West riding since 2015. She was re-elected in 2019. On Thursday, she said she would not run a third time as she believes the "time has come to let someone else serve" the riding.

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