Former campaign manager to run for Conservatives in Manitoba byelection

A Conservative candidate has been chosen to run in a federal byelection to replace former Manitoba MP Candice Bergen.

Branden Leslie edged out three others vying for the nomination in the Portage-Lisgar riding, including Cameron Friesen, Manitoba’s former finance minister.

Leslie has been active with the Conservatives for more than a decade, which included running Bergen’s campaign during the 2019 election.

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Friesen resigned from cabinet at the beginning of this year to seek the federal Conservative nomination for the southern riding after Bergen announced she would be stepping down.

Bergen was first elected to the reliably Conservative rural riding in 2008 and was also an interim Conservative leader during her time in Parliament.

A date for the byelection has not been announced yet.

4:42 University of Manitoba political scientist Royce Koop on Kirkfield Park byelection