Global News has learned that Jason Kenney will be running for the leadership of the Alberta Progressive Conservative (PC) party.
Currently a federal Conservative MP, Kenney has a long political history in Alberta. Over 15 years ago, he played a major role in uniting the former Reform party with the former federal Progressive Conservatives to help create the Conservative party.
Kenney sent out a press release Monday confirming he will make an announcement in Calgary on Wednesday and later in various cities across the province.
READ MORE: Jason Kenney to make ‘important announcement’ in Calgary this week
There is speculation that Kenney plans to unite the right and bring the PCs and the Wildrose together.
Former politician Danielle Smith, who led a mass floor-crossing of Wildrose MLAs to the Tories in December 2014, said she wishes Kenny well.
“I think the conservatives do need to unite under a single banner if they’re going to have success in beating the NDP government in the next election,” Smith, now a NewsTalk 770 radio host, said.
“He faces a pretty big uphill battle.”
“There’s a big cultural difference between the Wildrose, the Progressive Conservatives, even the federal Conservatives,” Smith added. “I think one of the things that he may be misjudging is just how progressive Calgary and Edmonton are.”
READ MORE: Jason Kenney will face ‘uphill battle’ in bid for Alberta PC leadership: Smith
The decision for Kenney to run is not sitting well with all current PC MLAs.
Sandra Jansen has said that if the party turns further to the right under Kenney, she may leave.
Wildrose leader Brian Jean also responded to reports Kenney may be coming back to Alberta in a bid to unite the right.
“We welcome all conservatives devoted to building unity,” he said. “However, over the next year, the PC party will be involved in a divisive battle as they debate their stated pledge at their recent AGM to go it alone. It would be wrong to speculate further on the leadership race for the third party until this is resolved.”
The PCs will launch their leadership race in October. The leadership convention will be held in Calgary in March.
For weeks there has also been speculation the Calgary Midnapore MP will run for the leadership of the federal Conservatives.
With files from Gary Bobrovitz
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