Theresa Oswald undecided on political future after close race

She came very close to becoming the first female premier in Manitoba.

Theresa Oswald lost on the second ballot at yesterday's NDP leadership convention by only 33 votes. 

Oswald said while she would have preferred to be the premier, she respects the process that unfolded yesterday.

"It was a very close race to be sure. There were passionately held views on a number of fronts. I was really really grateful to have the campaign team that I had. It was close but I completely respect what our members decided and I will honour that decision in the days ahead."

Oswald is still the MLA for Seine River.

She campaigned as the only one who could beat Brian Pallister. She was asked by CBC how she could stand behind Selinger and tell Manitobans he can get the job done when we go to the polls next year.

"I do think it would have been an interesting race. Mr. Pallister against me. I think it would have been fun in many ways. I told people from the beginning that whatever it is that the members decide, I would get behind that decision and support it. So I am going to stand behind the premier and do the best job I can to support him."

Oswald was one in the group of 5 who wanted to oust Selinger. How does she mentally prepare to back him now?

"I get asked that question a lot. There was a democratic vote and I wasn't the one they chose. I was very, very close. But I wasn't the one they chose. I have great respect for our members and their decision."

Some callers have told CBC they are angry at the group of 5 for challenging the premier in the first place and say the whole process was a waste of time. Oswald doesn't agree. She says the 5, including herself, made a difficult decision to resign. That decision she said was not a mutiny, bur rather a selfless act to put the party's interest first.

So how will she contribute to uniting the party when Selinger is still leading and she didn't want him to continue?

"The nuts and bolts of how we rejoin the caucus, if we do, that's a process set up by the premier and by caucus. So I really don't have a lot to say on how that will go forward. I am open to being part of a united team but the journey back into that isn't exactly in my hands I am afraid."

As for Oswald's future, she doesn't know if she will seek her seat again in Seine River. 

"I have to have that conversation with my family. This journey has been pretty exhausting on my family. It has to be a team decision."

The next provincial election is scheduled for April 2016.