Former PC MLA Jackson to run as Conservative in Brandon-Souris after MP Maguire bows out

In a shakeup in western Manitoba conservative politics, former PC MLA Grant Jackson is running as the Conservative candidate in Brandon-Souris in this federal election after 11-year MP Larry Maguire announced he will not seek re-election.

Maguire announced Sunday he is not seeking re-election in the southwestern Manitoba riding of Brandon-Souris, stating on Instagram he was "recently informed of a concerning health condition." 

One day later, Jackson resigned his Spruce Woods seat in the Manitoba Legislature and then announced the Conservatives selected him to run as a candidate in Maguire's place.

In an interview, Jackson said he received a heads-up call from Maguire on Sunday and was then asked to run by the Conservative Party officials.

Jackson described Maguire as a very good friend and mentor.

"He has received a serious diagnosis, so that's troubling, but we are wishing him well and he'll get through this," Jackson said. "I'm just absolutely flattered and shocked that the federal party has asked me to attempt to step into his shoes."

Jackson had served as a PC MLA from the provincial election in 2023. He was considered one of the most promising rookie members of the PC caucus and made regular appearances during Question Period.

Maguire was initially elected in Brandon-Souris in a November 2013 byelection triggered by the departure of former Conservative MP Merv Tweed. He won three subsequent elections and will leave federal office after more than 11 years.

Prior to that, he served as a Manitoba Progressive Conservative MLA for 14 years, serving in Arthur-Virden.

On Instagram, the former agricultural producer stated his 25 years in politics were the most fulfilling of his life, citing upgrades to Brandon's airport and major roads as among his proudest accomplishments.

"As I step away, feel incredibly blessed and offer my sincere blessings to all," Maguire said in his post.

Maguire's departure deprives the Conservative Party of an experienced voice but is not expected to affect the party's fortunes in the upcoming election. Brandon-Souris is a solidly Conservative riding that has been represented by conservative parties for 68 out of the past 72 years.

In the most recent federal election, in 2021, Maguire defeated his closest competitor, a New Democrat, by 14,895 votes. Based on this history, Jackson stands a very strong chance of becoming the riding's next MP.

The Conservative Party of Canada did not respond to requests for comment.

Jackson's departure will trigger a provincial byelection. Wally Daudrich, one of the candidates running to lead Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Party, tweeted he will run in the Spruce Woods byelection.

Daudrich lives in the RM of Stanley, one hour's drive southeast of the Spruce Woods constituency boundary.