Manitoba's Liberal party launches leadership contest

The race for the leadership of Manitoba's Liberal party is officially underway.

Nominations opened Sunday and a new leader is to be chosen Oct. 26 in Winnipeg.

Party spokesman Sam Dixon says no candidates have filed yet, but he expects four or five to enter the race.

Business consultant and author Robert Young has already announced he will run, but says he is waiting until late summer to make it official because he is currently working as the party's vice-president.

Bob Axworthy, who ran unsuccessfully in a byelection last year, says he is still considering whether to run for leader.

The Liberals have just one seat in the legislature and are looking to replace Jon Gerrard, who announced his plan to resign after a poor showing in the 2011 provincial election.