WINNPEG – A former Manitoba cabinet minister who challenged Premier Greg Selinger’s leadership is quitting politics.
Jennifer Howard has announced she will not seek re-election in the April 19 vote, despite being nominated in her Fort Rouge constituency last May.
Howard held senior cabinet positions including the finance portfolio before she and four colleagues publicly called on Selinger to resign amid slumping polls in 2014.
Three other rebels have also decided not to seek re-election, while one – former justice minister Andrew Swan – is running again.
Howard made the announcement with the Premier and her family at her side.
“In 2011, when I ran, I had no children. Now I have two,” Howard said. “I have so much respect for my colleagues who have done this job and raised their kids….but I know the sacrifice that takes. But you have to make that sacrifice willingly. And I can’t do that.”
Howard said she was offered a job in Ottawa, although would not disclose who that was with. The entire family will be moving to the capital region.
Political science professor Royce Koop says Howard’s departure is a blow for the NDP and a reminder that the party’s efforts to reunite may have failed.
Koop says Howard’s departure also makes things easier for Liberal leader Rana Bokhari, who is running for her first legislature seat in the constituency held by Howard.
The Canadian Press
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