A veteran Kamloops councilor will not be running in the upcoming civic election.

Councilor Denis Walsh says his decision to not run again after 11 years in office was due to both personal and political reasons.

“I have always said the role of council to me should not turn into a political career. I think to me it should always be a public service position and after two or three terms, I think a person should either move to another level of public service or its time to step aside, which is what I intend to do.”

Walsh told his colleagues that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve Kamloopsians.

“It has been a real pleasure and a great experience to serve my community in this role and although I’ve been known as an outlier on many issues, its been a wonderful opportunity to sit at this councils table.”

Serving on Kamloops Council for 11 years total, from 2008 to 2011 and then 2014 to 2022, Walsh gave some advice to the newly elected council.

“This past term has been challenging and the new council members will have to be resilient and focused, but it is time for me to step down.”

Walsh is the last incumbent member of council to publicly announce his plans.