Winnipeg, November 29, 2023 - After losing all but one seat in the October 3rd provincial election, the Manitoba Liberal party is focused on rebuilding and took a step forward with the appointment of Willard Reaves, a former CFL player and father of NHL player Ryan Reaves, as their deputy leader. Interim leader Cindy Lamoureux, the sole MLA representing the Liberals in the legislature, made the announcement on November 28.
Reaves, a familiar face in Manitoba politics, ran for the Liberals in Fort Whyte, nearly clinching victory against Progressive Conservative Obby Khan in the 2022 by-election. Reaves came within a mere 200 votes shy of securing the PC stronghold, which had been vacated by former premier Brian Pallister.
Reaves stood again in the most recent elections this year, albeit falling short against the incumbent Khan.
The Liberal party faced a notable setback in the Oct. 3 elections, relinquishing two of their three legislative seats. Notably, the defeat saw the departure of Dougald Lamont from St. Boniface, who promptly resigned as party leader, as well as the loss of Jon Gerrard, the longstanding MLA for River Heights. Both seats that slipped from Liberal hands were claimed by the New Democratic Party (NDP), who won a majority government in the election.
With Lamont and Gerrard's departure, the Liberals encountered a pivotal juncture, compelling them to chart a new course and reimagine their leadership structure. Lamoureux's appointment of Reaves as deputy leader signals a strategic move to reposition themselves in the Manitoba political landscape.
The Manitoba Progressive Conservatives are going to select a new leader in 2024 after leader, Heather Stefanson, announced her resignation following the loss to the NDP.