Former rebel NDP cabinet minister Theresa Oswald won't seek re-election in Manitoba

TheresaOswald, the former NDP cabinet minister who tried to topple GregSelingeras premier of Manitoba, will not seek re-election.

She said she met with the premier Tuesday morning to let him know.

"We talked. It was respectful," she said, adding itwas a difficult decision to part ways withpolitical lifebut one that is best for herand her family, including her 10-year-old son.

"When I shared this decision with him he was lovely," Oswaldsaid of her son."He said, 'Mom I think you did a really great job and whatever it is that's next for you you're going to do a good job at that too. And I think that we should make some cookies tonight.'"

Oswald, 49, has been an MLA since 2003, and cameclose to beingthe first female premier in Manitoba earlier this year. She was within 33 votes of defeatingSelingeron the second ballotat a party leadership convention in March.

Oswaldwas one of the group of five NDP cabinet ministerwho resigned fromcabinet Oswaldas health ministerin November 2014afterSelingerrefused to step down as leader of the party.

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The grouphad openly questionedhisleadership amid public approval ratings that started plummeting after the provincial sales tax was raised in 2013.

She remained an MLA after her resignation. Oswald said the five remain tight.

"You know, those are friends for life for sure," she said. "We've been to war together."

Jennifer Howard, another one of the five rebels, said onTuesday she is sorry to see her friend leaving politics.

"It's always sad to lose a colleague, especially a smart, compassionate woman like Theresa. She made a great contribution to Manitoba and to her community and I know her commitment to fairness and equality will be part of whatever she does next," Howard said.

"I wish her and her family the best as they make this transition together."

Oswald leaves 'hole to fill:' Selinger

Although she led the revolt against Selinger, the premierhad some kind words for Oswald.

Selinger said he would have preferred she stay and run again next year and thatshe made a strong contribution to Manitoba and to the NDP.

He said losing her means the party has to find someone else to run in Seine River.

"She certainly had a commanding role in that seat and knew the community extremely well having grown up in that area. So there's no question it's a hole to fill for sure," Selinger said.

"But we do know that the constituency is in good shape with lots of volunteers and members have done some good fundraising. But you know, replacing a high profile member of the legislature is never an easy task."