Duelling endorsements dominate final day of campaigning before UCP leadership vote

Reporters were promised a “special endorsement” of United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership hopeful Brian Jean at an event in Calgary on Wednesday afternoon.

But before Jean could take the podium to announce he had the backing of abuse and addictions support advocate and former NHL star, Theoren Fleury, for his campaign, the Jason Kenney team beat Jean to the punch with news that their candidate had received the stamp of approval from 23 federal Conservative MPs.

READ MORE: United Conservative Party leadership vote begins Thursday morning 

“I’ve been endorsed by lots of people, lots of my own caucus, lots of people right across the province and the country,” Jean told reporters when asked about the Kenney camp’s move.

“The truth is the real endorsement I’m looking for [is] the endorsement of everyday Albertans.”

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READ MORE: Brian Jean more popular than Jason Kenney amongst Alberta voters: ThinkHQ

Fleury told reporters his support for Jean comes following months of conversations with the former Wildrose Party leader on the topic of support for those with mental health issues and addictions.

“Our mental health system in Alberta need a big-time overhaul and I think I can provide Brian with some really great suggestions and opportunities moving forward,” Fleury said.

Among the nearly two dozen Conservatives putting their support behind Kenney are immigration critic Michelle Rempel and Edmonton MP Kerry Diotte.

“I’m honoured to receive the support of so many of my former colleagues in the federal Alberta Conservative Caucus,” Kenney said in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon.

“If I am chosen to lead our new, united party, I look forward to working with our federal Conservative colleagues to advance the interests of Alberta.”

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READ MORE: Doug Schweitzer’s ‘new blue’ campaign making final push before Alberta UCP leadership vote

When asked about his role in politics, Fleury said he just recently become a UCP member, although he had voted for Justin Trudeau’s Liberals in the 2015 federal election.

“I won’t be doing that again,” he said.

Despite endorsing Jean, Fleury said he has no intentions to run for political office.