David Swann to step down as Alberta Liberal leader

EDMONTON – Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann says he will step down as head of the party after the spring sitting of the legislature.

Swann’s decision comes exactly one week after Premier Ed Stelmach said he would not seek re-election and days after Ted Morton quit as finance minister.

Swann says he will stay on as member of the legislature for Calgary Mountainview so he can continue to focus on health care and the environment.

Swann, a former medical health officer, won the Liberal leadership in 2008 when Kevin Taft stepped down after the party lost almost half its seats in the provincial election.

Swann failed to make gains in the polls despite Stelmach’s shaky performance and turmoil in health care.

The Liberals have eight seats in the 83-seat legislature, but have been overshadowed by smaller parties, including the NDP and the right-of-centre Wildrose Alliance.