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Kate Ellis to quit politics to be with her son

Senior federal Labor MP Kate Ellis is to quit federal politics at the next election to spend more time with her young family.

The 39-year-old, who has served as the Member for Adelaide since October 2004, previously served as the minister for sport and the minister for employment participation.

"This has been a really hard decision ... It is a decision that I have made for only one simple reason," she said in a letter to her constituents.

"Whilst my son can travel with me as a baby, during the next term of parliament he will start school and need to stay in Adelaide. The simple truth is that I just cannot bear the thought of spending at least 20 weeks of every year in Canberra away from him.

The young mother said she wanted more time to spend with her young son. Source: AAP
The young mother said she wanted more time to spend with her young son. Source: AAP
Ms Ellis said she would wait until the election to step down, saying she had
Ms Ellis said she would wait until the election to step down, saying she had

"Representing the Adelaide community is one of the most humbling, inspiring and rewarding privileges that I could imagine.”

The young mother said she has no intention of causing a by-election and stepping down before the next federal election.

Meanwhile, Labor leader Bill Shorten paid tribute to the “outstanding parliamentary service” that Ms Ellis delivered over her 13 years career.

"Kate has been a trusted advisor and a true friend," he said.

"As a person and a representative, she is someone for whom I have the highest respect ... it has been a privilege to work alongside Kate and to call her a friend."

Bill Shorten heaped praise on Ms Ellis for her commitment to the Labor party. Source: AAP
Bill Shorten heaped praise on Ms Ellis for her commitment to the Labor party. Source: AAP