A longtime Manitoba politician who served briefly as premier has announced he will not run in the next election.

Kelvin Goertzen says announcing his decision now gives the Progressive Conservatives, and anyone interested in replacing him, time to plan before the vote.

The 56-year-old has represented the Steinbach constituency, southeast of Winnipeg, since 2003 and says he will stay on until the election is called.

When the Tories were in power between 2016 and 2023, Goertzen held senior cabinet portfolios including health, education, justice and deputy premier.

When Premier Brian Pallister resigned in 2021, Goertzen was chosen by the Tory caucus as interim party leader and premier, serving for two months until party members elected Heather Stefanson.

Kelvin Goertzen to take over as pr

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