Kenney to remain UCP leader until new leader is chosen

UCP Caucus Chair and Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf released a statement the following day on what the immediate future holds for the party.

“Today, the United Conservative caucus had a vigorous discussion and debate about the future of our party and our government,” Neudorf said in a statement.

Neudorf continued to say, “We agreed that we must remain united, focused on the best interests of Albertans, and committed to doing the job Albertans elected us to do. In that spirit, we have affirmed Premier Jason Kenney’s continued leadership of our caucus and government until such time as a new leader is chosen, the timing of which will be determined by the United Conservative Party.”

Kenney says it is important to remain focused on public priorities, including reducing wait times in the health system and growing the economy.

The decision to keep Kenney on was not a unanimous one as some, including MLA Brian Jean, had called for Kenney to quit immediately.

“The healing process can’t start until Jason Kenney leaves,” Jean said before heading into Thursday’s caucus meeting. “He knows that. We know that and we need to start the renewal process of the UCP.”

Jean, along with fellow former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith, are the first to announce their intentions to run for UCP leadership.

At the time of publication, there are no clear timelines for how the leadership race will play out.

LNN had reached out to Neudorf for further reaction to Kenney’s resignation. A spokesperson from his office said he was busy in caucus meetings.

by David Opinko

Kenney to remain UCP leader until new leader is chosen

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