Scott Fielding ponders Tory leadership bid

Winnipeg city councillor Scott Fielding is pondering a run for the leadership of Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Party.

Conservative Party sources say there are about half a dozen people considering a run at the top job but no one has formally declared their intention to replace outgoing leader Hugh McFadyen.

Fielding said he's disappointed with the government of NDP Premier Greg Selinger.He criticized the province's$1.1-billion budget deficit, and said the government has notproperly addressed crime issues. As well, Fielding saidthe province has not resolved issuesof funding for municipal governments, especially for infrastructure needs.

"If you decide to make the big decision to lead the province you need someone obviously that understands city issues and so those are some of the reasons why I'm considering this," Fielding said.

"We need a strong representative from the city of Winnipeg running for the PC leader of Manitoba," said said fellow Coun. Jeff Browaty who supports Fielding's bid. "I believe the next premier of Manitoba should come from the city of Winnipeg."

McFadyen, who has been PC leader since 2006, announced following his party's loss in the Oct. 4 provincial election that he would resign as soon as a new leader is elected.

Former Conservative MP Brian Pallister of Portage la Prairie is also said tobeorganizing abid for the leadership.