UCP leadership hopefuls already lining up after Kenney announces resignation

By The Canadian Press | News, Politics | May 19th 2022

Alberta Wildrose leader Brian Jean and Alberta PC leader Jason Kenney shake hands after announcing a unity deal between the two parties in Edmonton on May 18, 2017. File photo by The Canadian Press/Jason Franson

Previous story
Next story

The race for a new United Conservative Party leader is gearing up after Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced he's stepping down.

Kenney garnered 51.4 per cent support in a review of his leadership, which is just enough for him to keep his job under party rules.

But last night he said that result isn't good enough for him to stay on as leader and that many members have asked for the opportunity to clear the air.

Two former leaders of the Wildrose Party, which merged with the Progressive Conservatives to form the UCP in 2017, have signalled they intend run for the leadership.

Brian Jean, who lost to Kenney in the inaugural UCP leadership race and has been an outspoken Kenney critic, thanked the premier for his "decent and honourable concession."

Danielle Smith, a radio host following her stint in provincial politics, says the results show the UCP is hungry for a leader who will fight for Alberta's interests.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2022.

May 19th 2022

Keep reading

Comments

Subscribe to join the conversation. Already a subscriber? .
Post a comment
Subscribe to join the conversation.
You need an active subscription to post a comment. Update your subscription.