Jason Kenney Resigns as Leader of United Conservative Party

Stating that he will step down and has asked party executives to “clear the air” and hold a Leadership Election at the “earliest opportunity,” Jason Kenney stepped down as Leader of the United Conservative Party tonight. Despite winning 51.4% of support in a Leadership Review vote in which more than 30,000 party members participated, Kenney declared it was clearly not enough to continue on as leader.

While he did not declare his intention to run in the leadership race, Kenney also did not rule it out. This did not sound like a Jason Kenney who was ready to pack up his bags and leave. In fact, it sounded like a leadership candidate who will be ready and proud to defend his record over the last 3 years of governing.

That we are at this place in time should not be surprising in and of itself. Conservatives eat their own, and no membership is hungrier than that found in Alberta. The former premiers are evidence of that. You could also ask Danielle Smith or Brian Jean. The surprise is not that Jason Kenney is taking heat from his own party - it’s that doubt continued to follow him, even after a lengthy record of success. It’s why he seemed so willing to bet on himself and why we wouldn’t rule out his candidacy in the just announced United Conservative Party leadership race.

Five years ago today, Jason Kenney and Brian Jean stood side by side to sign a Unity Agreement that gave the members of the PC and Wildrose parties the final say on whether they should come together as one united conservative party. With just a year until the next election, this leadership race threatens to tear the party apart on regional and ideological lines. It also brings opportunity for new voices, new members, and big money. Buckle up, Alberta.