The deadline for candidates to enter the race for the leadership of Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative (PC) Party has officially passed, with two hopefuls submitting their applications. However, it may take up to a week for the party to confirm if there will be a competitive race.
As of the Tuesday noon deadline, Obby Khan, MLA for Fort Whyte, and Churchill hotelier Wally Daudrich submitted their paperwork to the PC leadership election committee. Khan, who submitted his application on October 2, has already been approved as a candidate. Daudrich, who submitted his application on Monday, is still undergoing the vetting process, which includes an interview, a criminal background check, and social media screening, according to Brad Zander, the committee chair.
The vetting process for Daudrich is expected to take about 10 days, the same amount of time it took to approve Khan. Should Daudrich be approved, both candidates will appear at an initial leadership event scheduled for October 30 at the Delta Hotel, where they will present their vision for the party. The event will feature a question and answer session hosted by former Radisson MLA James Teitsma.
Candidates had a six-month window to submit their applications, with the leadership election set for April 25, 2025. The extended timeline comes in response to criticisms of the party’s previous leadership race, where Heather Stefanson narrowly defeated Shelly Glover amidst complaints of an abbreviated election process.
Political expert Christopher Adams noted that having only two candidates in the race may not lead to the robust competition typically expected. He pointed out that Daudrich, a successful businessperson from Churchill, lacks the political profile often seen in rural leadership contenders. Additionally, the popularity of Wab Kinew’s New Democrats, who have only been in power for a year, may have deterred potential candidates from entering the race.
“Running for Opposition Leader requires a significant commitment, with candidates potentially spending seven to eight years in opposition,” Adams explained.
However, Zander remained optimistic, stating that the PC Party believes the winner of this leadership race will likely become the next premier of Manitoba.
Heather Stefanson stepped down as PC leader in January, with MLA Wayne Ewasko currently serving as interim leader until a new permanent leader is elected.
Source: Swifteradio.com
