Airdrie-East MLA Angela Pitt has announced she is stepping down as the chair of Rajan Sawhney’s UCP leadership campaign.
“It is time to for me to step back into alignment with my constituents and my values,” read Pitt’s Facebook post announcing her decision earlier this week. “I believe in a strong Alberta that will both stand up to Ottawa and respect individual freedoms.”
Pitt previously endorsed Sawhney for the UCP leadership on June 13 during a press event announcing Sawhney's leadership at the Toad’n’Turtle Pubhouse and Grill in Airdrie. Sawhney, the MLA for Calgary-Northeast, was the seventh candidate to announce a leadership bid following Jason Kenney’s resignation as the UCP’s leader, following a leadership vote in which he received 51 per cent of the votes.
Sawhney’s campaign priorities include a third-party investigation into Alberta’s COVID-19 response, investing in energy and agriculture, and improving education, according to her campaign website.
According to Pitt, her resignation from Sawhney’s campaign team is so she can focus more on her efforts toward serving her constituents. Pitt said she is currently working on solving Airdrie’s health-care issues, including inadequate urgent care and Emergency Medical Services.
“Please know that Rajan is a wonderful, smart and compassionate person. She loves Alberta, her community and works tirelessly for her constituents,” Pitt said.
“We must remember why we are here and what needs to be done. I will do my part to ensure the conservative movement in Alberta remains united as we rebuild a free and prosperous future for our province.”
Joining Sawhney in the UCP leadership race are Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Leela Aheer, Grand Prairie-Wapiti MLA Travis Toews, Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Loewen, Calgary-Shaw MLA Rebecca Schulz, Fort McMurray-Lac Le Biche MLA Brian Jean, and former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith, who polls indicate is the current front-runner.
The UCP leadership election is slated for Oct. 6.
