Manitoba premier Greg Selinger weighs in on NDP internal revolt

Greg Selinger, Manitoba's embattled premier,says he's focused on running the province amid the political revolt within his own party, as some high-ranking New Democrats throw their support behind a former cabinet minister who may take a run at his job next year.

In a year-end interview with CBC legislative reporter Chris Glover, Selinger said he worries that the rebellion within the provincial NDP is a distraction.

"That has the danger of eclipsing things, no question about it," Selinger said.

"That's why my job and the job of everybody who's elected in the legislature but particularly people that are on the government side has to come to work every day and focus on the basics."

Theresa Oswald has yet to announce whether she will challenge Selinger's leadership at the NDP's annual convention in March 2015.

But already, two former party presidentsLorraine Sigurdson and Carmen Neufeld have said they will support Oswald if she enters the leadership race.

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When asked about these powerful NDP voices speaking in favour of Oswald, Selinger said he's not too worried.

"I've got lots of other grassroots people saying, 'We like the work you're doing, we want you to continue to do that work, and we like the fact that you're providing good steady leadership going forward,'" he said.

Selinger's approval ratingat 17%

The turmoil within the NDP began when Oswald and four other high-ranking New Democrats resigned from cabinet in early November, after Selinger refused to step down as leader.

• 5 ministers resign from Premier Greg Selinger's cabinet
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The former cabinet ministers, known as the "Gang of Five," had questioned Selinger's leadership amid public approval ratings that started plummeting after the provincial sales tax was raised in 2013.

Just this week, an Angus Reid poll pegged Selinger's approval rating at 17 per cent, putting him in dead last among all Canadian provincial premiers.

• Greg Selinger's popularity ranks worst among provincial premiers

Meanwhile, a source has told CBC News that Anna Rothney, a key staff member in the premier's office, has taken an extended leave to help Oswald.

But Selinger said he's confident he can replace Rothney, and his party can continue governing no matter what happens.

"People asked the same question when we made changes in cabinet and I think you saw through the fall session, where we debated the throne speech, that we have a deep talent pool within our caucus, and we have a deep talent pool of people that work in the provincial government," he said.

"There are many excellent people that can provide a good service to the public."

Selinger would not comment on remarks by Neufeld, suggesting that Oswald has unlimited leadership ability. He said those types of questions are for NDP members and convention delegates to comment on.