An overwhelming majority of PC and Wildrose members voted in favour of uniting Alberta’s two right wing political parties on Saturday, with 95 per cent of the total vote saying yes to unity.
The two parties will now join forces under the United Conservative Party name. Not long after the results were announced, Wildrose leader Brian Jean announced he would be resigning as leader of the Wildrose to pursue leadership with the United Conservative Party.
“I plan on being Alberta’s next premier,” Jean was quoted as saying in the media, on Saturday night at the gathering in Red Deer.
Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills Wildrose MLA David Hanson said he was in attendance at the vote, and described the atmosphere as being “absolutely like a carnival.”
Hanson says he was very happy to see that there was a very clear message sent through the vote.
He added that he was also proud to see that “People are willing to put their differences aside for the betterment of the province.” Hanson said people were very excited to see the outcome of the vote, Saturday night.
“Now, we go forward and come up with a plan to get Alberta back on its feet,” said Hanson. “We need to get our province back.”
When asked about leadership, Hanson said that he’s worked with Jean for the last two years, “and he’ll be getting my 100 per cent support.”
Jason Kenney, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, ran for leadership of the PC party on the basis on uniting the two parties. He was quoted as saying Saturday’s vote was a great day for Alberta.
Kenney did not announce his leadership bid on Saturday night, and instead said it was a night to celebrate the “historic step in democracy.” He added that he hopes to see a number of talented people put their names forward as potential leaders of the United Conservative Party.
Wildrose and PC MLAs were expected to meet on Monday to choose an interim leader, until a permanent leader is chosen Oct. 28.
