The United Conservative Party’s (UCP’s) annual general meeting (AGM) is happening this weekend, and things look harrowing for the party’s leader Jason Kenney.
Leading up to the AGM, UCP MLA Peter Guthrie accused members of the party of using taxpayer dollars to save Kenney’s skin by offering other members cash and favours in exchange for votes.
“The Party is also known to be actively working to replace sitting MLAs that oppose you, Premier. Shockingly, I have it, from multiple direct sources, that PACs, supporting Premier, are offering to pay member AGM fees as well as providing other favours in exchange for their votes at this weekend’s AGM,” an email written by Guthrie reads.
“Those involved in the scheme include staff from your office (using taxpayer dollars), as well as the party and even MLA’s,” he continues.
“This may not be illegal, but it is certainly unethical. Winning back the favour of Albertans should be our priority. And this kind of undermining of the process will do nothing but drive Albertans away.”
In response, Kenney defended third-party organizations paying entrance fees and other nefarious actions taken by party members.
The claim has also sparked talks of an investigation by Alberta’s chief electoral officer if the actions taken broke any political contribution laws.
Either way, it’s not a good look for Kenney, who is already the subject of much scrutiny.
While Kenney’s leadership review is currently set for Spring 2022 (a date that was moved forward so the party can decide what to do with him), the UCP members could trigger a leadership review immediately if enough voted for it. Even if this does not happen, the AGM will indicate what’s to come regarding Kenney’s survivability. And right now, things look dire.
