Manitoba Progressive Conservatives Select Obby Khan as Leader Following Close Contest

April 28, 2025 TruthUSA

Obby Khan, a former cabinet minister and football athlete, emerged as the leader of Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative party during a tightly fought election over the weekend, winning by a margin of less than one percentage point.

Khan triumphed over longtime party board member Wally Daudrich, taking the helm of the provincial Opposition party, which currently holds 20 out of the 57 legislative seats.

In the mail-in ballot election, Daudrich received 53 more votes than Khan. However, due to the party’s newly introduced electoral district
points system
, Khan secured a leading position with 50.4 percent of the total points, while Daudrich followed with 49.6 percent, according to the
official results
shared on the party’s website.

“I recognize that we may not always see eye to eye … and that’s perfectly fine. As long as we maintain openness, honesty, and respect, we can engage in meaningful discussions and progress together as one united Progressive Conservative party in Manitoba,” Khan expressed during his victory
speech
.

“Whether you supported Wally—a significant number did—whether you backed me, or chose not to vote at all, I appreciate your membership in this party. It’s now essential for us to unite because success in politics, and life, comes through addition, not subtraction.”

Daudrich communicated with supporters but opted not to speak publicly. A spokesperson for his campaign confirmed that Daudrich accepts the election outcome.

According to the Progressive Conservatives, Khan will officially assume his role as the leader of the opposition immediately, with the legislature set to reconvene on May 5.

The party has been concentrating on rebuilding efforts following their defeat in the 2023 provincial election against the NDP, which resulted in the resignation of former Premier Heather Stefanson.

Stefanson’s leadership election in 2021 was similarly won by a narrow margin, with the runner-up Shelly Glover contesting the results in court,
claiming
there were numerous voting irregularities. A judge dismissed her case, stating that she did not provide enough evidence to prove that any irregularities could have influenced the outcome.

Khan Advocating ‘Big Tent’ Approach

Khan, who serves as the MLA for Fort Whyte, secured the endorsement of most caucus members. He emphasized that he aims to be a politician capable of collaborating with a diverse range of individuals.

“As we foster our big tent, we stand 11,000 strong, prepared to embark on a new phase of grassroots participation rooted in mutual respect and openness,” Khan remarked in a Facebook
post
on April 27. “We are on the cusp of a new era of growth and possibilities—one that will necessitate the creativity, teamwork, and vigor that only the PC Party of Manitoba can and will deliver.”

In contrast, Daudrich ran a campaign centered on re-establishing the party’s conservative principles, advocating for reduced government size and a more business-friendly landscape.

Daudrich, a hotelier, has suggested the possibility of campaigning for a legislative seat in the Spruce Woods constituency, which is currently open following the recent resignation of Tory MLA Grant Jackson, who is now seeking a federal candidacy in the Brandon-Souris riding. Daudrich has yet to make any public declaration regarding his candidacy.

Khan is a skilled entrepreneur and previously a professional Canadian Football League center, having played for nine seasons with the Ottawa Renegades, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Calgary Stampeders.

He entered the political arena in 2022, contesting for the PCs in the Fort Whyte by-election and defeating Liberal candidate Willard Reaves, another former CFL player.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.

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