‘The premier shot the messenger:’ Loewen, Barnes react to being kicked out of UCP caucus

EDMONTON – One of the MLAs booted from the UCP is defending his actions.

Todd Loewen, who was kicked out of caucus along with Drew Barnes after he called for Jason Kenney’s resignation, says it was time to speak out against the premier, adding Kenney was mishandling several issues and not listening to the rank and file supporters anymore.

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He argues if the UCP wants to stay in power, it needs to have a different leader.

“We had some good policies with our party and we had a good platform. I thought we were going to accomplish good things. It didn’t seem like it took more than probably six months and then things seemed to start falling apart,” said Barnes.

“I want to build this party, I want to save this party, I want to make sure we can win the next election. But I think this is a situation where somebody spoke the truth and the premier shot the messenger.”

Loewen indicates both he and Drew Barnes have a lot of support from caucus, despite being kicked out Thursday.

In a statement, Barnes says he’s saddened by the events, but not surprised.

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“Many members of caucus have tried, in vain, to help the premier make better decisions in recent weeks and months,” Barnes wrote.

He says he supported unity and worked to represent his constituents, but believes their voices were being ignored.

“A healthy democracy relies on vigorous debate in cabinet and caucus, but the United Conservative Party has abandoned this key pillar of the democratic system. Instead of MLAs representing their constituents to caucus, MLAs are expected to represent the views of the premier to their constituents. I could never abide by this–this is not why I entered politics– and this is not how a grassroots political party is supposed to work.”

He and Loewen will both sit in the legislature as independents.

-with files from the Canadian Press