Independent MP Derek Sloan makes it official he’ll run in Alberta in the upcoming election

It’s official: Derek Sloan will run in Alberta.

The controversial Hastings—Lennox and Addington MP has announced that he’s leaving his current riding to run as a candidate in the riding of Banff—Airdrie. Sloan made the announcement in Cochrane, Alta. Thursday night.

It was just a few weeks ago that Sloan told Global News that he was felt very comfortable in his Hastings—Lennox and Addington riding. Sloan’s entry into the Banff—Airdrie riding may be an uphill battle. Incumbent Conservative MP Blake Richards won the seat handily in 2019 with over 70 per cent of the vote.

1:54 Independent MP Derek Sloan confirms that he is working to launch his own political party

“Last week he was running here, now it looks like he’s running out west,” said Mike Bossio, former Liberal MP in Hastings—Lennox and Addington.

Sloan defeated Bossio in 2019 for the federal seat in the riding.

“A person can run for a seat in any part of the country they choose to. Now, whether they can win or not is another question,” said Bossio earlier Thursday.

“It’s unorthodox, but it’s certainly not unheard of.”

2:17 Sloan, Bernier and Hillier among ‘End the Lockdowns Caucus’

Bossio, who is running for the Liberals again, may not actually benefit from the controversial MP’s move out west. Sloan’s run as an independent would have likely split Conservative votes in Hastings—Lennox and Addington, helping the Liberal campaign.

When contacted, Conservative candidate Shelby Kramp-Neuman says she is focusing on the riding and not other candidates.

After Thursday night’s announcement in Alberta Sloan went on to say that he’ll have some exciting news for Ontario over the next few days.