UCP leadership candidates. Top: Brian Jean, Danielle Smith, Leela Aheer. Bottom: Rajan Sawhney, Rebecca Schulz, Todd Loewen, Travis Toews. (Photos: United Conservative Party)

By David Opinko

Seven candidates confirmed to be running for UCP leadership

Jul 26, 2022 | 1:47 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – We now know who is in contention to lead Alberta’s United Conservative Party (UCP) and who might become the province’s next premier.

The deadline of July 20, 2022, for interested persons to apply to enter the leadership race has come and gone. The party has now confirmed that seven people are running for UCP leadership.

Leela Aheer
Todd Loewen
Rebecca Schulz
Rajan Sawhney
Brian Jean
Danielle Smith
Travis Toews

The seven candidates will take part in the first debate on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in Medicine Hat.

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Members of the public who wish to vote in the leadership contest will need to purchase UCP memberships. This can be done until August 12, 2022.

The new party leader, and therefore premier, will be chosen on October 6, 2022.

For more information on the UCP leadership candidates and how to take part in the process of choosing a new leader, go to the United Conservatives website.

On May 18, 2022, Premier Jason Kenney announced his resignation as UCP leader following a leadership review vote. While Kenney did secure a slight majority of party member votes at 51.4%, he said it does not constitute a clear mandate, and that Albertans deserve a leader who can truly unite the province.

Three others had previously announced their intentions to run for UCP leadership. The party has confirmed to LNN that Bill Rock and Jon Horsman did not submit applications while Raj Sherman missed a few of the requirements to enter.

by David Opinko