Christine Elliott, runner-up to Patrick Brown in the May 9 Progressive Conservative leadership election, has quit provincial politics.

“Today, I am resigning as the MPP for Whitby-Oshawa, effective immediately,” Elliott said in a 123-word statement emailed to reporters Friday by her son, Galen Flaherty.

“While I put my name forward to lead our party, party members made a different choice. I fully respect our members’ decision and I wish my colleagues and the party every success in the future,” her statement said.

“This decision was not easy. I entered public life in 2006 to advocate for the rights of vulnerable people and their families. Although my role will change, I remain committed to advocating for a fully inclusive Ontario where all people can live lives of purpose and dignity,” said the co-founder of Whitby’s Abilities Centre.

“It has been an honour to represent the people of Whitby-Oshawa. I would like to thank all the voters, colleagues, friends, and family who have supported me throughout the years.”

Elliott — widow of former federal finance minister Jim Flaherty, who died on April 10, 2014, and mother of grown triplet sons — is well-respected in all three caucuses at Queen’s Park.

Premier Kathleen Wynne said Elliott “acted in the best interests of the people she represented and would work with anyone, regardless of political stripe, to bring positive change to her community and province.

“In the legislature, Ms. Elliott could be the fiercest of adversaries in debate. She was passionate, but never personal. Her regard for Queen’s Park and its elected members made her one of the most respected MPPs in the house,” the premier said in a statement.

Wynne praised her “as a fervent defender of our strong public health-care and education systems, and an ardent advocate for persons with disabilities.”

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said she would “miss the presence of such a strong fellow female voice in the legislature.”

“Although we didn’t always agree on politics, I have tremendous respect for her efforts in the legislature and in her community, particularly to empower Ontarians with disabilities,” Horwath said in a statement.

“Christine always conducted herself with dignity and intelligence. By her example she inspired young women to get involved in politics.”

Elliott’s departure, however, is hardly a surprise. She finished third in the 2009 PC leadership won by Tim Hudak and was the heavy favourite going into last spring’s race.

And this spring, 37-year-old Brown won the leadership by a decisive margin of 61.8 per cent to 38.2 per cent — despite her having the overwhelming support of Tory MPPs in the divisive 10-month contest.

The 60-year-old never returned to the legislature after his victory.

“I am confident that Progressive Conservatives will unite behind Patrick’s leadership,” the centrist Elliott had said in a statement on May 9.

While Brown, seen as more right wing, had reached out to her numerous times this summer, sources said the two rivals communicated only by text or email, not in person or by phone.

Her exit comes as the former Barrie MP is hoping to win a seat in the legislature in Thursday’s Simcoe North byelection.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

In a separate statement, Brown thanked Elliot “for her years of service to her constituents of Whitby-Oshawa and for her contributions to the party.”

“Christine has been a tireless advocate for her constituents and Ontario and an esteemed member of our caucus,” he said.

“We appreciate her well wishes and in turn wish her the best as she embarks on this next chapter of her life.”