Manitoba Tory leader quiet about $2M house purchase

Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister isn't saying much today about the $2-million mansion he bought this fall.

PC Party staff confirmed on Friday that the leader of the province's Official Opposition purchased the 9,000-square-foot house in October.

Pallister had planned to speak to a CBC reporter Fridayabout the house purchase, but he later declined comment.

Located on Wellington Crescent, the house sits on a 1.7-acre riverside lot. Annual property taxes are estimated at $38,000.

WinnipegRealtors, the association representing real estate agents and others in the Winnipeg market, says it's only the second time in the city's history that a house has sold for more than $2 million.

Another mansion sold for just over $2 million in 2006, according to the association.

University of Manitoba political studies professor Royce Koop says leaders like Pallister need to be careful with their images, to make sure they don't appear to be out of touch with the public.

Political parties on the right tend to be most successful when they appeal more to the middle class, he added.

"If this story is followed up by several other stories, like he buys a Jaguar and a Rolls Royce, it might have an effect over time," Koop said.

"But in terms of this one decision, I don't see any real consequences."