For the third time former NDP MLA Steve Ashton has placed his hat in the ring to become the new leader of the New Democrats.
On Wednesday, standing in front of Concordia hospital Ashton officially entered the leadership race under the promise to rebuild the party in rural Manitoba.
Ashton was a former MLA and cabinet minister. He was first elected in 1981 and served his Thompson constituents until he was defeated by the Progressive Conservative candidate in the 2016 provincial election.
Ashton’s announcement means that there are now two candidates in the running for leader of the NDP in Manitoba. Wab Kinew, the MLA from Fort Rouge, had been the sole candidate and has already gathered support from labour and party members.
This is Ashton’s third kick at the job. In his last two attempts he was only able to solicit about a third of the votes cast.
-News 4-
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