Long-time politician Dan Ashton is throwing his hat in the federal ring, announcing his candidacy with the federal Conservatives in the new boundary riding of South Okanagan-Similkameen-West Kootenay.

鈥淲hen I announced that I wouldn鈥檛 be running in the next provincial election, I had dozens and dozens of people stop me, call or ask me to put my name forward federally,鈥� said Ashton. 鈥淚t got me thinking and I decided to run.

鈥淚鈥檓 a straight shooter. I have a very good track record of being fiscally responsible and accountable.鈥�

The Summerland resident is looking to fill the role that will become up for grabs after NDP MP Richard Cannings announced he is retiring. The next federal election is expected by October 2025.

Ashton has been a big supporter and party faithful of the federal Conservatives, and leader Pierre Poilievre鈥檚 vision and values.

鈥淚鈥檓 concerned about taxation, inflation and over-regulation on the federal level. I was raised that you don鈥檛 spend $1.10 if you only have a dollar.鈥�

If Ashton is elected, it will mean he has been a politician at every level.

Before his election to the legislature, Ashton served as mayor of Penticton from 2008 until 2013 and before that as a Penticton city councillor from 1999 until 2008.

Ashton will continue to serve as MLA until the next provincial election set for October.

He thinks Canada is in need of a change.

鈥淕overnments get stale. I absolutely love this beautiful country which has so much to offer. But it鈥檚 time we start utilizing our resources and let Canada shine again.鈥�

Ashton said he has a track record of getting people together and accomplishing things. He believes he can bring those attributes to the federal level.