He replaced Jim Prentice, who resigned as the party’s leader and MLA despite winning his riding of Calgary-Foothills.
The party said it will continue to work out a final date for a leadership vote. A committee will report back on the planning details by the end June with a specific date that will need to be ratified by the PC board.
Under new rules passed at the association’s annual general meeting in Red Deer last month, the new leader will be elected by delegates at a provincial convention. Under the new system, party members will vote for delegates from each constituency association, who will in turn, elect the new leader of the party.
The Alberta PCs said former premier Dave Hancock will also serve on the Leadership Election Committee as the party continues to rebuild.
“The election of a permanent leader is a critical step forward as we seek to regain the trust of Albertans. This is a unique and important opportunity for (us) to shape the future of the party and I encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming race,” Progressive Conservative President Katherine O’Neill, said in a news release.
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