Obby Khan elected leader of Manitoba Progressive Conservatives

Obby Khan, a former Canadian Football League player and sitting MLA, has been narrowly elected as the new leader of Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Party, succeeding Heather Stefanson. Khan won 50.4% of the vote over hotel owner Wally Daudrich in a closely contested race, following a prolonged leadership process after the party’s 2023 election loss to the New Democratic Party. Khan campaigned on themes of inclusivity and practical governance, gaining endorsements from half the party’s caucus and promising to pursue public-private healthcare partnerships and increased provincial revenue for municipalities. He also makes history as the first Muslim and first Canadian of South Asian background to lead the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives. Daudrich, who emphasized a return to more conservative values and less government intervention, accepted the results graciously and plans to run in an upcoming byelection. Khan called for party unity in his victory speech, stressing the importance of collaboration ahead of the 2027 provincial election.