Elections Alberta now has the documentation of four people who want to become the next leader of the United Conservative Party and Prime Minister of Alberta.
The updated list includes a recent cabinet minister, two former Wildrose Party leaders and a man expelled from the UCP after calling for the resignation of Jason Kenney.
The latter, Todd Loewen, became the last to testify Wednesday night.
He joins Travis Toews, who resigned as finance minister on Tuesday. Brian Jean and Danielle Smith have also submitted their forms.
“Yes, that’s right,” Loewen wrote on Facebook.
“This is the first step in the process, which allows me to legally accept contributions, but I will have a formal announcement in my hometown of Valleyview early next week.”
Central Peace-Notley’s independent MLA has been an open critic of Kenney since last year. He and his partner Drew Barnes were expelled from the party after a caucus vote on May 13, 2021.
Kenney announced his resignation on May 18 after receiving a slight majority in his UCP leadership review. He plans to remain as leader and prime minister until a replacement is selected.
“I never saw myself having to do that, but I think we need to make the changes we need in government. I want to offer your voice, the voice of the people, a voice that hasn’t been heard enough,” Loewen said.
The UCP has not yet announced dates, rules or rates for the next race.