Winnipeg lawyer to seek Manitoba Liberal leadership

A Winnipeg lawyer says she will seek the leadership of the Manitoba Liberal party.

Rana Bokhari, who is 35, says she plans to file her nomination papers on Tuesday to become the first official candidate in the race.

Bokhari says seeking the leadership is a natural extension of her community involvement, academic training and love of Manitoba.

She says she will reach out to current and former members of the Liberal organization, as well as to those who do not feel at home in any other party.

Current Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard announced his resignation after a disastrous 2011 election in which the party won only one legislature seat and went down in the popular vote.

The leadership convention is set for Oct. 26 in Winnipeg.