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Interim leader selected for new Alberta UCP – Brian Jean makes it official

Jul 24, 2017 | 5:35 PM

EDMONTON – The caucus members of the legacy Wildrose and Progressive Conservative parties held a joint meeting on Monday to elect the new party’s interim leader. 
 
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper, the former Wildrose house leader, was tapped for the job and commented on the weekend voting.
 
“Last weekend, we saw an outstanding victory for the democratic process and the people of Alberta. With members of both legacy parties voting 95 per cent in favour of unity, we now begin the process of party building.
 
There are 29 members of the UCP caucus; 22 from the Wildrose and seven from the PCs. Cooper will lead the new United Conservative Party until a permanent leader is picked on Oct. 28.
  
In Airdrie Monday afternoon, Brian Jean officially launched his campaign to become leader of the new United Conservative Party of Alberta.

“Touring the province for the past two years as the leader of the opposition, I’ve seen the desperation in the eyes of Albertans looking for hope and a better future,” Jean said. “We cannot risk putting our new party in a position that leaves us vulnerable by the time of the next election. I will be here for Albertans, championing them and standing on their side every step of the way.”

Jean said Albertans can expect to see from him a bold vision for the province that unites Albertans behind the values of fiscal responsibility, smaller government, low taxes, free-enterprise and strong families.

Former PC leader Jason Kenney has already indicated he will also seek the leadership of the UCP, as well as Calgary lawyer Doug Schweitzer.