Nobody in race, but Alberta Party leader will be picked on Feb. 7
CALGARY The Alberta Party has set a date for its leadership contest — now it just needs candidates.
The party said Wednesday a new leader will be announced Feb. 7.
The race was precipitated by the recent resignation of Greg Clark, who stepped down in a bid to generate attention and excitement around the party ahead of the 2019 provincial election.
Clark, the MLA for CalgaryElbow, has said he may stand for the party’s leadership again, but no candidates have formally announced they will enter the race.
Susan Elliott, the former Progressive Conservative strategist who was named co-chair Wednesday of the Alberta Party’s leadership election committee, said she expects there will be a number of strong candidates in the race.
“I stand by with breath held waiting for them to announce,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve heard of at least five really high-quality people who are thinking about it.”
Possible contenders being mentioned in party ranks include Chima Nkemdirim, the chief of staff to Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi; Edmonton radio talk-show host Ryan Jespersen; Morinville mayor and former Alberta Urban Municipalities Association president Lisa Holmes; and Kara Levis, a lawyer for TransCanada.
Former PC cabinet minister and leadership candidate Thomas Lukaszuk said Wednesday he’s considering running, but hasn’t taken any firm steps yet.