Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie has vocalized his support for United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership hopeful Danielle Smith via a video posted to his Facebook page yesterday.
In the video, Guthrie describes Smith as someone who is firm in their convictions and isn’t afraid to stand by them.
“As with any election, the candidate you choose is a personal decision,” Guthrie says in the video.
“Like many, I am looking for a leader who I feel aligns most with my values and who will best represent Albertans.”
Guthrie alludes to the fact that he has taken some time to look closely at all the UCP leadership candidates.
“I wanted to take my time and not just jump right in,” he said.
“We’ve been provided with an opportunity for a fresh start. With Danielle’s experience and mindset, I feel she’ll be a real difference-maker to inspire change in our party,” he continued.
Guthrie concludes his video by encouraging everyone to have a close look at all 10 UCP leadership candidates.
Smith served as leader of the Wildrose Party from October 2009 to December 2014, when she resigned to cross the floor and join the governing Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta caucus. She was the MLA for Highwood, south of Calgary, but lost her seat in the 2015 election.
Most recently, she ran an AM talk radio show that focused on provincial politics and current events.
Party members will vote on the new leader at five polling stations across the province on Oct. 6. As well, mail-in ballots will be sent out Sept. 2 and must be returned by Oct. 3.
Cochranites are invited to a meet and greet with Smith on Tuesday, July 12 at 'Ducks on the Roof' Bar & Grill from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There are currently eight candidates for the UCP leadership. Apart from Smith, those vying for the party's top seat include former Wildrose leader Brian Jean, UCP MLAs Rajan Sawhney and Leela Aheer, independent (formerly UCP) MLA Todd Loewen, Village of Amisk mayor Bill Rock, former Alberta Liberal Party leader Raj Sherman, and Calgary-Shaw UCP MLA Rebecca Schulz.
