Torry Tanner is seeking the nomination to run for the UCP in Lethbridge-West in the 2023 Alberta provincial election. (Photo: Torry Tanner)

By David Opinko

Torry Tanner seeking UCP nomination in Lethbridge-West

Feb 16, 2023 | 10:25 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The first candidates hoping to run for the United Conservative Party (UCP) in Lethbridge-West are officially announcing their bids for nomination.

Torry Tanner and Rick Dempsey say they want to represent the party in the riding in the 2023 Alberta provincial election.

Torry Tanner enters the nomination race with a diverse educational background, having completed degrees in law, education, and theatre.

She says she has also been involved in a wide range of businesses including manufacturing, retail, and customer service.

“Having 25-plus years of business experience has taught me a lot about fiscal responsibility. You can’t run a business on credit for very long before it’s going to crash and burn,” says Tanner. “You have to understand the financial aspect of things as well and dealing with people.”

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Tanner says she is ready to be more heavily involved in the community and give back in meaningful ways now that her children are a bit older.

She told Lethbridge News Now that she is passionate about education and would love to hear from parents first-hand about the ups and downs of the province’s educational system.

Tanner says she believes she has what it takes to represent the riding in the provincial legislature.

“I love Lethbridge, I love the people. In order to get into a position like [MLA], you need to actually have a servant’s heart and enjoy meeting with people, and that’s exactly what I like doing; meeting more people and meeting new people, understanding who they are and understanding their stories,” says Tanner.

The 2023 Alberta provincial election is scheduled to be held on May 29, 2023.

So far, one other person has announced a nomination bid to run for the UCP in Lethbridge-West; Rick Dempsey.

READ MORE: Rick Dempsey seeking UCP nomination in Lethbridge-West

Shannon Phillips is the incumbent MLA for the riding, representing the NDP.

READ MORE: Shannon Phillips named Alberta NDP candidate for Lethbridge-West