McHale withdraws from NDP leadership race

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This article was published 22/04/2017 (3372 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba NDP leadership race is now back to a field of one: Wab Kinew.

On Saturday, Michelle McHale — the only other announced contender to replace former leader Greg Selinger — announced she is stepping away from the process, citing health concerns.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision for me,” McHale said in an email, “but after taking some time to reflect and talk to my family, I know I need to put my health first right now.”

A spokeswoman for McHale’s campaign team supported her decision “given her (McHale’s) current position,” but no specifics were offered.

“It was a really tough decision for her, and I respect that she needs to concentrate on her health and her family first,” said campaign manager Lindsay Stewart. “Of course, I would have loved to see Michelle cross this finish line, but we love her, and support her decision.”

McHale was the first to announce her candidacy for the NDP party leadership in early March, followed by Fort Rouge MLA Kinew earlier this month. In making her announcement, McHale threw her support behind Kinew.

“I wish Wab and anyone else seeking the leadership all the best,” she said. “I believe this will be an energizing and unifying race, and look forward to being part of the next chapter for our party.”

Kinew told the Free Press he was surprised by the development but said McHale reached out to him for a “courtesy call” before notifying the press.

“I have nothing but good things to say about her,” Kinew said. “I love what she brings to the party. I wish her the best. I hope she’s able to come back from this, and I hope to be able to call her a colleague in the future.”

Kinew said the lack of opposition, at this point, will not affect his game plan.

“It’s really not up to me,” he said. “All I know is I have to work hard… to earn people’s support. I will still be travelling around the province, talking to people and sharing my ideas.”

McHale said she is not closing the door on politics in the future.

“I hope the party and its current and future members find a leader who will unify and strengthen our party, and help us be a progressive voice for all Manitobans,” said McHale, a staff representative at the United Food and Commercial Workers union. “We need to acknowledge the reasons why members stepped away from the party, then we can actively grow our tent with new members, and I look forward to being a part of that effort.”

The NDP leadership election will take place September 15-16. Flor Marcelino is serving as interim party leader.

randy.turner@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @randyturner15