Brian Jean in Lethbridge - LNN

By Dori Modney

Former UCP Leadership candidate Brian Jean seeks provincial seat

Nov 4, 2021 | 1:37 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — A politician some Albertans commented “was the best Premier the province never had,” is jumping back into politics.

Brian Jean, former Wildrose leader turned UCP leadership candidate, is seeking the UCP nomination for the vacant Fort McMurray- Lac La Biche seat.

On social media, Jean confirmed his intention and stated “something must be done so that the N-D-P doesn’t win the next provincial election slated for 2023.“

Brain Jean Facebook post

Jean led the Wildrose before it merged in 2018 with the Progressive Conservative Party to form the United Conservative Party. He then lost the U-C-P leadership to Jason Kenney, in a campaign tainted by scandal. The other candidate in the race was Calgary lawyer Doug Schweitzer.

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At the time of the party leadership race, Jean made several visits to Lethbridge. In an interview with LNN at the time, he presented himself as a ‘real’ Albertan.

“I think Alberta is the greatest place in the world. I’ve raised dog teams, worked on a farm, I’ve been a lawyer, opened a handful of businesses, represented Alberta at the federal level and then as the leader of the official opposition. I think my experience in a bunch of different fields helps me connect with everyday people. Albertans need to be a part of the political process, and if I’m chosen as leader of this party, I’ll make sure they have a seat at the table moving forward.”

The final leadership debate was held in Lethbridge and after Kenney defeated Jean in the leadership contest, Jean was not given a critic portfolio.