WINNIPEG – Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger appears intent on staying in office while he runs for his job again — something one analyst says gives him a big advantage over competitors.
In response to an open revolt by senior New Democrats, Selinger has called for a leadership contest at the party’s annual convention in March.
READ MORE: ‘Unprecedented’ leadership vote looms for Manitoba premier
During the NDP’s last leadership vote — held after Gary Doer resigned in 2009 — Selinger and the other two candidates resigned from cabinet to run.
But Selinger has said it’s his responsibility to stay on the job and ensure government work continues.
Royce Koop, who teaches political science at the University of Manitoba, said staying in the premier’s chair will give Selinger an advantage by allowing him to make announcements and spend money.
It’s an unusual situation for a sitting premier to be a candidate in a leadership race, Koop said.
No one has stepped forward so far to run against Selinger at the convention. Analysts expect the leadership race will include one of the five former cabinet ministers who resigned last week after questioning Selinger’s leadership.
READ MORE: How cabinet revolt against Premier Greg Selinger erupted in Manitoba
The New Democrats plummeted in opinion polls after raising the provincial sales tax last year. It was a move Selinger had specifically ruled out in the 2011 election campaign.
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