Andrew Swan endorses Wab Kinew for Manitoba NDP leader

Andrew Swan, a former candidate for leadership of Manitoba's NDP, has announced his support of Wab Kinewto head up the party.

"Wab is the leader we need to bring the party into the future together," Swan said on Wednesday in Winnipeg.

"I have witnessed his leadership first-hand in caucus, and I have watched the energy and vision he brings to the table. I know that he would bring these same qualities as leader, and steer us in the direction we need to resist [Progressive Conservative Leader] Brian Pallister's reckless cuts to the supports that make our province strong."

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Swan was one of the candidates back in 2009 who stepped up in a bid to fill the vacancy left by then-Premier Gary Doer. But hewithdrew his candidacy to throw his support behind Greg Selinger, who eventually went on to becomethe party leader.

Things turned sour a few years later, and in 2014, Swan was one of five cabinet ministers to resigntheir posts over Selinger'sleadership.

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Kinew, 35, is the sole candidate so far to replace Selinger, who stepped down shortly after the party's defeat at the polls in 2016.FlorMarcelinohas been serving as interim leader since then.

In April, when Kinew announced his candidacy, Swan told reporters that he was contemplating takinganother run for the leadership.

Kinew said he is thankful for the backing from the MLA for Minto, who has been serving his riding in the legislature for 13 years.

"Andrew has the experience in government and in the party to be a key contributor to building the NDP of tomorrow," Kinew said.

"I love his commitment to the West End, and to helping it be a fair, safe community. I appreciate his support, and his strong voice calling for positive change."