The race to become the next leader of Manitoba's New Democratic Party and premier of the province has left a lot of seats at the cabinet table empty.

On Monday, outgoing Premier Gary Doer appointed three cabinet ministers to assume the responsibilities of Andrew Swan, Steve Ashton and Greg Selinger, who have all stepped down from their portfolios to run for the leadership of the NDP.

Doer announced last month that he is stepping down to become Canada's ambassador to the U.S. He has not given a date for his departure, but the NDP leadership convention is set for Oct. 16-17.

Swan, Selinger and Ashton are the only people so far to have announced their intention to run for the leader's seat.

Agriculture minister Rosann Wowchuk will take over Selinger's duties as finance minister and his other portfolios including Manitoba Hydro.

Infrastructure and Transportation minister Ron Lemieux inherits Aston's job overseeing intergovernmental affairs and emergency measures.

Immigration and Labour minister Nancy Allan takes over Swan's former position as minister responsible for competitiveness, training and trade.

"I'm pleased the candidates involved in the leadership race have agreed to voluntarily step aside from their respective portfolios," Doer said in making the announcements. "This ensures the contest has a level playing field."

As members of the treasury board, Wowchuk and Lemieux are familiar with the issues in finance and intergovernmental affairs, Doer said.

Allan has worked closely in the past with Swan to develop apprenticeship programs for Manitoba's department of competitiveness training and trade.