Winnipeg city Coun. Dan Vandal is going to take a run at federal politics.

The councillor for St. Boniface says he hopes to win the Liberal nomination and put his name on the 2015 ballot.

"I'm going to put all my focus, my energy into winning the nomination, and when the time comes to run for the federal campaign I'll be ready and I'm not going to run to lose," he said Wednesday.

I admire Shelly's tenacity and hard work, but the fact is she is a representative of Stephen Harper and we need to get rid of Stephen Harper. - Dan Vandal on MP Shelly Glover

"I know it's high-risk. It's incredibly high-risk. But no risk, no reward."

Vandal has been a city councillor for 16 years and served as acting mayor following the resignation of then-mayor Glen Murray.

Vandal ran for mayor in 2004 and lost to Sam Katz.

The St. Boniface federal seat is held by Conservative Shelly Glover, who is currently serving as the minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Ready for political fight

Vandal, a former professional boxer who was once the No. 1 ranked Canadian middleweight, said he's ready for the political battle with Glover.

"It'll be a good debate on the issues that face our country," he said.

"I admire Shelly's tenacity and hard work, but the fact is she is a representative of Stephen Harper and we need to get rid of Stephen Harper."

In the St. Boniface neighbourhood, people were already talking on Wednesday morning about Vandal's chances.

"For all the years he's been here I think he's put the community forward and he's supporting the people and the community a lot," said resident Marc Rivard.

"I think Vandal's got a little more to offer than Shelly Glover does," added Gary Miles.

A contest for the Liberal nomination is expected next spring.