Willard Reaves has declared his candidacy for the leadership of the Manitoba Liberal Party with the goal of revitalizing a party that currently holds only one seat in the Manitoba Legislature. During a press conference at the Manitoba Legislative Building, Reaves, a former standout football player, emphasized his vision to elevate the party to new heights.
Having excelled as a running back for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and briefly in the National Football League, Reaves entered politics with the Liberal Party. Despite previous electoral setbacks, including losses to the current Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan, Reaves remained undeterred. He briefly served as deputy leader of the Manitoba Liberals but later stepped down.
Looking ahead, Reaves expressed optimism about steering the Liberal Party towards a more influential position. He emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders from various political backgrounds, including the NDP, PCs, and independents, to strengthen the party’s standing. The upcoming leadership contest, scheduled for October 25, currently has Reaves as the sole contender.
Residing in the Fort Whyte riding in Winnipeg, Reaves has yet to determine his future riding for a general election. The Manitoba Liberals, under previous leadership, faced a significant decline in legislative representation, prompting the need for a strategic revival under Reaves’ leadership.
Political analyst Christopher Adams acknowledged Reaves’ interest in politics but highlighted concerns about his limited political experience. Adams suggested that an uncontested leadership race could hinder the party’s visibility, urging for competitive participation to showcase the party’s appeal to potential candidates and the public.