The United Conservative MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin Brain Jean is leaving politics.
In a statement Monday on Twitter, the former Wildrose Party leader said serving Albertans has been the pleasure of his lifetime. He added that he will continue to serve as a private citizen and wishes the UCP the best in the next election.
MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster Dr. Richard Starke says that Brian should be thanked for his service to Albertans first as an MP and more recently as an MLA.
“Brian and I didn’t always necessarily agree on some political questions. I had great respect for him and sent him a note last night thanking him for his service and wishing him and Kim well and he responded very graciously.”
Jean spent 10 years as an MP for Fort McMurray-Athabasca before serving as the leader of the Wildrose Party in February 2015. He also ran against Jason Kenney for leadership of the UCP. Starke says that the future for the UCP is uncertain, but the upcoming by-election will shed some light on the political landscape in Alberta.
“It’s another one of there members that has decided to leave caucus. There’s been quite a number of them in the last number of months, but there will be a by-election in that riding and I’m sure it’ll be contested by all the political parties.”
The Alberta legislature’s spring session will begin Thursday.