Politics in Alberta doesn’t slowly progress and evolve; rather, it moves in tectonic shifts, and last week saw Premier Jason Kenney, who came into power as premier just over three years ago as the head of the United Conservative Party, has resigned as a leader from a party divided.
After receiving 51.4 per cent in a vote of confidence in his leadership, Kenney announced his intention to resign as leader. After meeting with the caucus, the province learned he will remain as leader until a new leader is appointed. He has since noted he will not run for his former seat.
For MLA for Drumheller-Stettler, Nate Horner, it was a whirlwind of a week.
“The number didn’t shock me, it was shocking for me to hear him say the words that he was going to initiate the process, engage a leadership race, and step down,” Horner told the Mail. “But I am grateful he was that honest with the situation and cares more about the party and the province than his own career.”
Since Horner has served with Kenney, he was Minister of Forestry and Agriculture and Rural Economic Development. He has heard from his constituency that change was needed.
“I have had a lot of people reach out, and heard from many constituents that have reaffirmed that thinking to me, it was necessary and they are grateful he did. Sometimes it was hard for me to tell because you are so close in there. But I have a ton of calls saying they appreciate what he did.”
So far, high-profile candidates have stepped up to run for the leadership, including former Wildrose leaders Brian Jean and Danielle Smith.
When asked if Horner would run, he replied, “I guess you never say never. I wouldn’t want to flat out say no, but it is not my intention, at this time. There is a candidate at this time I am very hopeful will run, and I am going to wait and see what they do… I am sure there will be some good candidates from within the cabinet and caucus.”
Horner says the decision for Kenney to stay on as leader is a solid one. While there is a narrative he is now a “lame duck leader,” Horner says it is important for continuity.
“By going this route, we are able to keep the machine moving and going forward. There are a lot of good things going on behind the scenes,” he said. “I hope people understand this continuity is important, too. If we would have asked or demanded a new interim premier just to clean things up for a race it would have stopped the government for the next four months.”