By Jeff Henson

Loewen feels Kenney “did not have much choice” but to resign after devastating leadership review results

May 19, 2022 | 12:57 PM

Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Loewen says the resignation of Jason Kenney as leader of the United Conservative Party is a positive first step towards the type of change that many Albertans have been asking for.

Kenney announced his resignation Wednesday night, after receiving just 51.4 percent of support in a mail-in leadership vote.

“Leadership reviews should be 70-80-90 per cent support, but 51 per cent is obviously a devastating loss for him.” said Loewen.

Loewen, who was kicked out of the UCP caucus approximately a year ago after he called for Kenney’s resignation, believes the party would not have had an opportunity for unity if Kenney had decided to stick around.

“Now there is an opportunity, it is not guaranteed but it is an opportunity to get things back on track and get things going again. And hopefully, this will be the start of something good moving forward.”

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Loewen thinks rebuilding trust will be an important job for whoever is selected as the new leader of the party.

“We need to rebuild the trust of the people. Right now, I think trust in politicians and the political process is at an all-time low. And we need somebody that can build the trust back with Albertans, and I think that is what the next election will be fought on. So if we do not have anybody that can build that trust with Albertans, I think it will make things tougher moving ahead.”

Loewen adds he has had several people approach him about taking a run at the party leadership.

He adds he is keeping all options on the table at this time and will make a decision on that at some point in the future.