Manitoba NDP council allows premier to keep job during party leadership race

WINNIPEG – Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger will be able to remain in the premier’s chair while he faces a leadership contest.

The NDP provincial council, which is the party’s governing body, defeated a motion today that would have called on the premier to step down until the leadership vote is held March 8th.

Selinger supporters, such as N-D-P backbencher Dave Gaudreau, says it would not make sense for the premier to temporarily resign every time someone challenges his leadership.

But Selinger critics, such as former justice minister Andrew Swan, say Selinger has an unfair advantage over any competitors in the race.

Selinger has been under fire since October, when Swan and several other high-ranking party members said Selinger should consider retiring.

Selinger invited his critics to run against him in March, under a little-used section of the party’s constitution.

No one has stepped forward so far, but former health minister Theresa Oswald said she is considering joining the race.

The council has set down some of the ground rules for the leadership race, such as a cutoff date of January 6 for leadership contenders.