UCP leadership candidates took part in the first debate on July 27, 2022, in Medicine Hat. (Image: Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

UCP memberships double as leadership race heats up

Aug 23, 2022 | 8:47 AM

CALGARY, AB – Conservatives across Alberta want to have their say in their next party leader.

The United Conservative Party (UCP) says they now have 123,915 paid members. That is more than double the approximately 60,000 memberships the party had prior to the beginning of the leadership race in June 2022.

President Cynthia Moore adds that nearly $1 million has been raised.

“Alberta’s Conservative movement is incredibly strong, and these numbers prove it,” says Moore. “We’ve experienced massive growth in every riding in the province and it’s put us on a solid footing heading into the next election.”

The deadline to purchase a UCP membership, and therefore, be able to vote on the next party leader, was August 12.

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Seven people are vying for the UCP’s top position, including Leela Aheer, Todd Loewen, Rebecca Schulz, Rajan Sawhney, Brian Jean, Danielle Smith, and Travis Toews.

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.

The next UCP leader will be chosen on October 6, 2022.

The next provincial election is set to be held on or before May 29, 2023.

by David Opinko