What is being described as a new day in Alberta politics, in some camps, Jason Kenney, former federal cabinet minister under Stephen Harper is now the leader of the provincial United Conservative Party (UCP).
Kenney won a decisive victory over former Wildrose leader Brian Jean and contender Doug Schweitzer with more than 61 per cent of the vote.
Drumheller MLA Rick Strankman is encouraged by Kenney’s win.
“Personally I feel vindicated in my decision,” said Strankman, who was backing Kenney’s bid.
“I like some of the management stuff that Jason is wanting to bring forward, and his perspective. I have never had much of chance to work with him, but I am confidently fulfilled that what I have seen is going to be a different managerial style.”
“I am hoping that it will be positive and that Albertans will respond to it positively so that in the next election, the UCP is the Alberta Government.”
While it was a divisive leadership battle, Strankman is confident that Kenney will be successful in uniting the party, and also Albertans.
“It certainly seems to be the case. Jason started right out in an upstream battle to step down from his federal position to run for the provincial Conservative Party, which some would say was on its knees, and to run specifically for the goal of unifying it with another party,” said Strankman. “He was successful in winning the leadership, he was successful in going forward… it would seem to most United Conservative Party members that voted that he has been successful in his quest.”
MLA of Calgary Lougheed Dave Rodney has stepped aside to allow Kenney to seek a seat in a by-election. Jason Nixon has been appointed Leader of the opposition in the Legislature and Opposition House leader. He will lead the Caucus in the legislature until Kenney has a seat. Leela Aheer was appointed deputy leader.
