Failed United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership candidate Leela Aheer will not run for the UCP in the next general election.
The UCP government, led by Premier Danielle Smith, will face the Alberta NDP in spring 2023.
Earlier this month, the Chestermere-Strathmore MLA came last in the leadership contest, falling off the first ballot with just 1.7% of party members’ support. She was the only one of the premier’s six leadership opponents not given a portfolio in Smith’s cabinet, announced Friday.
In a statement, Aheer said UCP members have selected a new leader and direction and she respects that decision. In her lengthy statement, she did not explain why she is not running again.
“I am so unbelievably grateful for the time I have been privileged to serve all Albertans,” Aheer wrote on Twitter.
Aheer was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2015, defeating incumbent Wildrose-turned-PC MLA Bruce McAllister by a slim margin. She was reelected in 2019.
During the leadership race, Aheer frequently criticized Smith, but also other conservatives.
In August, she said those participating in the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) and Rebel News debate and fundraiser are responsible for “white supremacy, homophobia and racism.”
Smith, Todd Loewen and Brian Jean all attended the debate.
In response, Aheer said there will be “no room for those who support this agenda” if she’s elected premier.
“Alberta has a set of core values, and they are in direct opposition to what’s on display here,” she said at the time. “Today I’m putting my foot down, and saying enough, do better.”
She also sold UCP memberships at a campaign event with Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a Calgary Stampede event in July.
In a post, Smith thanked Aheer for her “years of faithful service” to the province and her riding.
“Wishing you the very best on your next endeavour,” the premier wrote on Twitter.
Chantelle de Jonge has already announced she’ll be seeking the UCP nomination in the Chestermere-Strathmore riding. She’s been endorsed by McAllister, now the executive director of Premier Smith’s southern office.
