-- Cypress Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes - CHAT file photo

By Dori Modney

MLA’s Drew Barnes and Todd Loewen out of UCP Caucus

May 13, 2021 | 8:33 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — Cypress Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes and Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Loewen, have been booted from the United Conservative Caucus.

United Conservative Caucus Whip Mike Ellis released the following statement:

“Today, United Conservative MLAs voted to remove MLAs Drew Barnes and Todd Loewen from the government caucus.

“Members recognize the need for government caucus to remain strong and united behind our leader, Premier Jason Kenney, as we continue to fight through what looks to be the final stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

There is simply no room in our caucus for those who continually seek to divide our party and undermine government leadership, especially at this critical juncture for our province.

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“We look forward to moving ahead as a stronger, more united team.”

Loewen was voted out of the UCP caucus, after he publicly called for the resignation of party leader and Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenney.

Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Loewen – file photo

Loewen called for Kenney’s resignation in a letter issued late Wednesday night, which led to an emergency caucus meeting on Thursday.

Read More: “We did nt unite around blind loyalty to one man” – Kenney faces call to quit.

Loewen and Barnes will now sit as independents.