The field is officially set for the race to determine the next leader of Manitoba's&nbsp;Official Opposition party.

Churchill hotelier Wally Daudrich and Fort Whyte MLA Obby Khan have both been officially approved as candidates to become the next leader of the Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party.

"I can confirm we have two authorized candidates," Brad Zander, the chair of the party's leadership election committee, told CBC News Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The party launched its leadership race in June, giving potential candidates until Oct. 15 to register and submit their paperwork. The application packages were then to be reviewed by&nbsp;

The leadership election is set for April 25, 2025, to replace Heather Stefanson, who stepped down from the role last January.

MLA Obby Khan, hotelier Wally Daudrich meet deadline to run for Manitoba PC leader

The deadline to run for leader of Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Party has closed with two candidates seeking to head up the Official Opposition. However, it might take another week for the party to determine whether there will be a competitive race.

Side by side images show a man in a suit jacket standing outside and a man in a dark-coloured shirt.

PC MLA Obby Khan, left, is a candidate for PC leader. Churchil hotelier Wally Daudrich submitted an application for candidate Monday and must be vetted by the party.

khan-daudrich

PC MLA Obby Khan, left, is a candidate for PC leader. Churchil hotelier Wally Daudrich submitted his application on Monday, and must be vetted by the party.

PCs to approve new party leadership rules to replace those that caused 'hurt, anger and frustration' in 2021

Manitoba Progressive Conservatives plan to hold a January vote on new rules for a leadership race the party president expects to take place in late 2024.

A woman stands behind a podium with a blue microphone on it, speaking with her hand on her chest.

Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Heather Stefanson gives her concession speech following her party's loss in the Manitoba election on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Stefanson said she would step down as party leader after the NDP won a majority government on Tuesday.

Heather Stefanson concession speech oct 3 2023

Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Heather Stefanson gives her concession speech following her party's loss in the Manitoba election on Oct. 3. Manitoba PCs will vote in January on new rules for a race to replace her as party leader.

She announced her intention to step down as leader in October 2023,&nbsp;after the PCs were defeated by the Manitoba NDP in the provincial election, and&nbsp;

, following the resignation of then premier Brian Pallister.

Lac du Bonnet MLA Wayne Ewasko has been serving as the party's interim leader.

The PCs said they opted to give candidates ample time to submit an application and campaign after the party's last leadership race, which saw&nbsp;Stefanson defeat Shelly Glover, was marred by complaints about an abbreviated election timeline.

Zander&nbsp;previously told CBC News Khan had been approved as a candidate, while&nbsp;Daudrich was&nbsp;still being vetted by the party's election committee when applications closed Oct. 15.&nbsp;

That review involved&nbsp;a criminal background check and social media screening, Zander told CBC News at the time.&nbsp;

Daudrich and Khan are expected to appear&nbsp;at an initial leadership event on Oct. 30 at the Delta Hotel, where they will be asked to lay out their vision for the party.

Fort Whyte MLA Obby Khan 1st to enter race to become next leader of Manitoba PCs

The MLA for Fort Whyte is running to become the next leader of the Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party.

A man in a checkered suit and a white shirt stands on a lawn.

Obby Khan, the MLA for Fort Whyte, is looking to become the next leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba.

Obby Khan

Churchill hotelier, ecotourism operator plans to run for Manitoba PC leadership

A Churchill hotel owner and ecotourism operator is preparing to run for the leadership of Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Party.

A man in a plaid shirt sits in front of a wood-panelled wall.

Churchill hotelier and ecotourism operator Wally Daudrich is preparing to run for leader of the Manitoba Progressive Conservative. He owns Lazy Bear Lodge and Expeditions.

wally-daudrich

Churchill hotelier and ecotourism operator Wally Daudrich is preparing to run for leader of the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives. He owns Lazy Bear Lodge and Expeditions.

Progressive Conservative MLA Obby Khan, left, and Churchill hotelier Wally Daudrich, right, will vie to head up Manitoba's Official Opposition party.

Manitoba Progressive Conservatives will have leadership race after 2 candidates officially authorized

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