Voting begins for new Wildrose leader

CALGARY – An accelerated voting process is set to begin for the Wildrose party.

The official opposition is looking for a new leader ahead of an imminent spring election in Alberta.

The party officially announces its leadership candidates Monday and a twelve day telephone voting period begins for members.

The unofficial ballot has already been set, with three candidates already vying for the job. Former Strathcona County mayor Linda Osinchuk, former Fort McMurray MP Brian Jean and Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes have all submitted their candidate packages. Interim leader Heather Forsyth will not be running.

The party was originally looking at a June 6th deadline for a new leader following the mass floor crossing of eleven of their MLA’s last year, including former leader Danielle Smith. That date was pushed forward given Premier Jim Prentice’s not-so-subtle hints at a spring election.

The new Wildrose leader will be announced March 28th, two days following the anticipated release of the new provincial budget.

All three candidates have expressed their opposition to any would-be tax increases and have reinforced their party loyalty.

The Wildrose says its campaign team probably won’t be as robust or as financially equipped as it has been in the past – but they’re hoping to work smarter.

The party says a victory would mean they remain the official opposition well into summer.