Premier Kenney steps down following leadership vote

Premier Jason Kenney announced he has resigned as UCP leader following narrowly receiving the majority of votes in his party confidence vote.

Kenney’s leadership review voting results were released Wednesday evening and he received 51.4 per cent in favour. Roughly 34,000 votes were cast.

Despite this, Kenney decided to step down.

“It’s clear that the past two years were deeply divisive for our province, our party and our caucus, but it is my fervent hope that in the months to come we all move on past the division of COVID,” Kenney said in his address after the results were announced.

Party rules say the UCP caucus is required to name an interim leader “at the earliest possible opportunity.” The next caucus meeting is scheduled for Thursday in Calgary.

More to follow.