Danielle Smith is Alberta’s new premier after winning the United Conservative Party leadership contest on the sixth ballot.

Smith has been leading in the polls since Premier Jason Kenney announced his resignation in May.

But, the final results left the crowd of about 500 people at the Calgary BMO Centre in suspense, with the ballot going till the final round till Smith was crowned victor.

Former finance minister Travis Toews came second, with 46.23% of the vote. Brian Jean came third with 14.8% of the vote, followed by UCP MLA Rebecca Schulz with 8.4% and Independent MLA Todd Loewen with 7.8%. 

UCP MLA Leela Aheer fell off the ballot first with 1.7%. UCP MLA Rajan Sawhney fell off second with just 2.6% of the vote.

Leela Aheer was the the most progressive candidate in the race — even selling UCP memberships at a Liberal campaign event during the Calgary Stampede.

During a media scrum ahead of the results, Sawhney, who fell off second, said she had no regrets and would support the new leader, no matter the outcome.

In her victory speech, Smith said she will always put Alberta first and stand up to the federal Liberal-NDP coalition. Ottawa is increasingly hostile and “seeks to control every aspect of our lives,” Smith said.

Smith closed her speech, saying after Thanksgiving she will travel to Edmonton to be sworn as Premier.

“And I cant wait to get started,” she closed.

“Thank you, and may God keep our land glorious and free.”