Full Breakdown
Manitoba PCs Install Konrad Narth as Interim Leader After Obby Khan’s Resignation
By Drooid · · How we work
Leadership Change in the Opposition Party
The Progressive Conservative (PC) caucus in Manitoba announced on Tuesday that MLA Konrad Narth, representing La Verendrye, will serve as interim leader following Obby Khan’s resignation as party leader and opposition head. Khan stepped down on Monday evening, citing internal divisions that left him “no choice.” He will remain the MLA for Fort Whyte as an Independent.
Background and Recent Polls
Khan assumed the PC leadership after former premier Heather Stefanson resigned in early 2024. Party officials noted that three consecutive opinion polls showed declining support for Khan, prompting the decision to seek new direction. The party’s deputy caucus chair, Josh Guenter, indicated that the leadership race timeline will be set by the PCs, and Narth confirmed he will not run for the permanent position.
Official Statements & Responses
Narth told reporters, “I think there’s a better path forward for this province, and the Progressive Conservatives are committed to showing Manitobans exactly what that looks like.” He added that the party is “more than united” and dismissed suggestions of a split. The party’s next steps include establishing the process and dates for a full leadership contest.
Criticism from Former Campaign Director
Stephen Carter, who left his role as PC campaign director after nine months, argued that Khan’s leadership style created internal problems. He said, “I think the policies [of the party] were being well received, but the delivery of the policies was challenging,” and added, “His interactions with the people were challenged sometimes by his personality. He was a strong personality. Some days, you know, he was the most likeable guy on Earth, and other days he was not.” Carter suggested that Khan’s approach hindered attempts to broaden the party’s appeal in Winnipeg.
Legislative Composition and Attendance
The Manitoba legislature comprises 57 seats: 19 PCs, 34 New Democrats (Premier Wab Kinew’s party), one Liberal, and three Independents. At the Tuesday announcement, only 15 of the 19 PC MLAs were present; absent members included Kelvin Goertzen, Ron Schuler, Trevor King, and Jeff Wharton, with Narth attributing some absences to hunting trips. The PCs now face the task of presenting a unified front ahead of the next scheduled provincial election in October 2027.