Days after refusing to leave in the wake of the Stan Struthers scandal, Greg Selinger now says it's time for him to go.
"It is my plan to retire as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for St. Boniface," said Selinger.
Selinger says he will step down as MLA on March 7. He became emotional when thanking his family, while reflecting on his time in office.
"To my family I want to thank them for their commitment their love and views have made it all worthwhile," said Selinger.
A week ago NDP leader Wab Kinew asked Selinger to resign immediately, but Selinger said no. Two weeks ago several women came forward alleging former NDP minister Stan Struthers sexually harassed them with unwanted touching including tickling, all under Selinger's watch. Selinger says he is sorry his delayed decision to leave became a distraction from the real issue, the women's stories.
"The focus should have been on hearing their voices, it wasn't and I want to apologize for contributing to that," said Selinger.
Still the former premier says he wasn't ready to announce his exit until he consulted with his constituency association first.
"It honours everybody that it concerns, it honours the work of the community it honours the priorities of your friends and family and the constituency," said Selinger.
Wab Kinew released a statement wishing Selinger well:
“It's my hope that Greg will be remembered as a premier who led our province through the aftermath of the global financial crisis, two major floods and was a finance minister who balanced the budget for 10 years in a row,” said Kinew.
A by election will now have to be called in St. Boniface within six months of Selinger’s resignation date.
Political scientist Allen Mills says the race for that seat could be wide open.
"I think it’s in play for actually all three parties I think we can say,” said Mills.
Mills says while the seat is the NDP's to lose, the party could have a fight on its hands without Selinger, who's been the MLA since 1999.
“Selinger was a long established MLA for St. Boniface. I think it's fair to say he was well regarded by his constituents, had a good majority,” said Mills.
