Former premier Brian Pallister will not be returning to the Manitoba Legislature this fall.

In a statement released by the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba, Pallister's party says he, effective immediately, is resigning from his position as Fort Whyte's MLA.

"It has been the greatest honour of my life serving the citizens of Manitoba these past nine years in the Legislature," Pallister's statement says. "We have worked each and every day with our dedicated team to improve the lives of Manitobans."

At the time of his August announcement when he said he was leaving as premier, he did not say if he would return to the next session as an MLA. There is no word on the byelection.

The next legislative session resumes Wednesday. Currently, Kelvin Goertzen is the interim premier and party leader.

"I leave my seat in the Legislative Assembly excited to see Manitoba on the eve of having our first woman as Premier. I am confident that they will continue to represent the principles and values of our party, and seize the opportunities to lead our province in post-pandemic recovery,"

On October 30, party members will head to the polls to elect a new leader, and subsequently a new premier. It will be either former MP Shelley Glover or MLA Heather Stefanson, making Manitoba's next premier the first time a woman is elected to this seat.

 

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With files from the Canadian Press