Kevin Chief opts out of Manitoba NDP leadership race

A former NDPcabinet minister has decided not to run for the leadership of the Manitoba New Democrats.

Kevin Chief says he is focusing on spending time with his young family he has three boys under six and on serving his constituents in the Point Douglas area of Winnipeg.

Chief was first elected in 2011 and held ministerial portfolios including children and youth opportunities and jobs and the economy.

He had been touted as a possible replacement for Greg Selinger, who announced his resignation as NDP leader when the party lost the provincial election in April.

The party, which now holds 14 of the 57 legislature seats, is planning to hold a leadership convention next September, and there are no contestants so far.

Wab Kinew, an author and broadcaster, is not ruling out a leadership run but says he is still learning the ropes of being a legislature member after being elected.

Chief said Wednesday he mulled the decision over the summer.

"I was able to take the time ... reflect on it with my family, people closest to me, and realize the best decision for me is to not seek the NDP leadership."

The NDP faces a long rebuilding effort and has had to deal with reduced donations and staff since the election loss. Chief said he hasn't decided who he might support for leader.

"I wouldn't encourage or discourage anybody from doing it. For me, it was just important when I knew what the answer was that I let people know as soon as I possibly could."

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