UCP cabinet ministers considering running to replace Kenney
Several of Jason Kenney's cabinet ministers would not rule out launching a campaign for his job on Tuesday as MLAs headed back into the legislature.
Kenney clarified on Saturday that he will not add his name to the upcoming United Conservative Party leadership race, prompted by his resignation last week.
"I haven’t made up my mind as of yet. I am still deliberating. I obviously have to speak with my family, my constituency as well as Albertans across the province," Transportation Minister Rajan Sawhney told reporters Tuesday.
"I haven’t ruled anything out, I will be doing what’s best for the party, what I think is best for the party under the lens we stay united and defeat the NDP in a year," said Environment Minister Jason Nixon.
"There are many details that need to be decided by the party and right now we really just need to be focused on the people," said Finance Minister Travis Toews.
Children's Services Minster Rebecca Schulz said: “It's too early to say.”
UCP MLA and former Wildrose Party leader Brian Jean has already announced his intention to run for leader as has Danielle Smith, also a former leader of the Wildrose.
Four people who have removed their names from speculation are Ministers Tyler Shandro, Jason Copping, Demetrios Nicolaides and Doug Schweitzer.
Schweitzer, who ran for UCP leader in 2017 against Kenney and Jean, also announced that he will not seek reelection in Calgary-Elbow.
"I think it's a big deal he is not running…That's an interesting riding, and not a guaranteed win for the UCP, " said pollster and political commentator Janet Brown.
"Schweitzer’s name was really the top of the list in terms of the more centrist candidate who could be a credible alternative to Danielle Smith or Brian Jean."
Kenney has said he will stay on as leader and premier until a new person is chosen.
It's not known when that will happen, as a UCP spokesperson said Tuesday that the party is still appointing a committee to establish contest timelines, fees and rules.
Former federal Conservative Party leader Rona Ambrose and Tory MP Michelle Remple Garner have also been said to be considering running for UCP leader.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Chelan Skulski and The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Friday that Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.