Premier Alison Redford resigns amid caucus turmoil
Posted Mar 19, 2014 6:30 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Redford has been struggling to deal with unrest in her Progressive Conservative caucus over her leadership style and questionable expenses.
Last week, a backbench member of her government quit, calling Redford a bully, and earlier this week, an associate minister resigned, saying the party has issues with entitlement.
Redford took over the Conservative leadership in 2011 and led the party to a victory over the hard-charging Wildrose in the 2012 provincial election.
She is the second Tory premier to resign the job after holding it for less than five years.
Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach resigned after only four years as he faced a caucus revolt of his own over his budget.
Redford’s spokesperson says she will stay on as MLA for Calgary-Elbow.
Meanwhile, the president of the P.C. party has issued a statement about Wednesday’s developments.
Jim McCormick says Alison Redford has put Albertans and her party first and is thanking her for her time as leader of the party and government.
The statement outlines that under the party constitution, a leadership race must be held within six months of the resignation of the leader so looking ahead, expect something in September about a leadership vote.
The board of directors of the party meets again on Monday.
