UCP cabinet ministers considering running to replace Kenney
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
The Canadian flag in the context of 'Freedom Convoy' and residential schools
In the wake of last year’s discoveries of unmarked graves at residential schools and the prominent displays of the Canadian flag during 'Freedom Convoy' protests, some Canadians are re-evaluating the meaning of the national symbol.

Celebrations, protests planned for Canada Day in Ottawa
Thousands of people converged on downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday, while police and city officials braced for possible protests against COVID-19 restrictions.
In Canada Day message, Trudeau says Canadian flag represents promise of a better life
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on Canadians to recommit to the country’s values, including respect, hope and kindness, in his official Canada Day message.
'Not going to happen in our lifetime': First-time homebuyers share their struggles with purchasing a home
A recent survey shows nearly 50 per cent of Canadians who rent expect to do so forever. As rising interest and inflation rates contribute to a sense of pessimism among first-time homebuyers in Canada, some are sharing their struggles with purchasing their first house.
Russian missiles kill at least 19 in Ukraine's Odesa region
Russian missile attacks on residential areas killed at least 19 people in a Ukrainian town near Odesa early Friday, authorities reported.
Four people arrested at National War Memorial in Ottawa as Canada Day celebrations begin
Police officers in cruisers, on foot patrol and on bicycles are patrolling the Parliamentary Precinct, the ByWard Market and the so-called 'motor vehicle control zone,' as the city prepares for Canada's 155th birthday celebrations and possible protests.
Royal Canadian Navy relieves Pacific fleet ship commander for 'inappropriate conduct'
The Royal Canadian Navy says it has relieved the commanding officer of a warship in the Pacific Fleet.
Trump's vulnerabilities for 2024 presidential run mount after latest testimony
Stunning new revelations about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s fight to overturn the 2020 election have exposed growing political vulnerabilities just as he eyes another presidential bid.
Same-sex couples in U.S. updating legal status after Roe v. Wade ruling
After the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, some LGBTQ2S+ couples are alarmed, worrying about a return to a time when they lacked equal rights to married heterosexual couples under the law. Many, fearful that their marital status is in danger, are moving now to square away potential medical, parental and estate issues.