The New Democratic Party of Manitoba leadership election of 2009 was prompted by party leader Gary Doer's announced pending resignation. Doer announced on August 27, 2009, that he intended to resign as leader of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba and Premier of Manitoba and the next day he announced that he was to become the next Canadian Ambassador to the United States. A leadership convention was held on October 16–17 to choose the new leader. There were two candidates for the position: former Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Steve Ashton and former Minister of Finance, Greg Selinger. Selinger received 65.75% of the ballots, and as such was elected party leader and became Premier-designate.