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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.