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This article was published 6/5/2019 (506 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MANITOBA Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont has sacked senior adviser Eric Stewart, after an "unacceptable" social media post picked up traction online.

Stewart had served as Lamont’s senior adviser and right-hand man since 2013, when he took his first run at leadership of the Manitoba Liberal Party.

"Eric Stewart’s behaviour and comments were unacceptable. He is no longer a member of the Manitoba Liberal Party and will not be a part of the campaign in any capacity," Lamont posted to Twitter on Monday.

On Saturday, Stewart posted a comment to Twitter — directed at a woman discussing her weight — which some characterized as "hurtful," "disrespectful," and "misogynistic."

"I get it, you’re fat. Fat you can get rid of. Living your life without seeking acceptance on Twitter will take a whole bunch more work. Good luck on both," Stewart wrote.

The comment — which was captured in a screen shot — has since been deleted, as has Stewart’s account. It remains unclear if other comments factored into his removal from the party.

A source with knowledge of the inner workings of the Liberal party said Stewart has a history of disrespectful outbursts — both in public and behind closed doors — and the latest incident was likely the "straw that broke the camel’s back."

Requests for comment from the party and Stewart were not returned by deadline Monday.

Stewart managed Lamont’s successful byelection bid in the St. Boniface ward in July 2018.

Lamont’s victory, which came just nine months after he’d been elected party leader, led the provincial Grits to secure official party status for the first time since the 1995 election.

— Ryan Thorpe