It's official...Brian Jean will be running for the leadership of the United Conservative Party of Alberta.

Jean was at Airdrie's Apple Creek Golf Course to make the big announcement just days after the WIldrose and PC Party voted 95% to unite.

The now former leader of the WIldrose party was endorsed by many prominent community members including Airdrie MLA Angela Pitt and local rancher Stan Grad.

Jean spoke with passion as he detailed his plan to bring all Albertans together and restore the once famous 'Alberta advantage'.

For Pitt, she couldn't be prouder to know Jean is making this huge step.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again: Brian Jean is the right man for the job...he deserves to be the leader of the new United Conservative Party and I think he is the right man to be the Premier of Alberta"

When asked why he chose Airdrie to make his speech, the Fort McMurray native said it really showcased the Alberta he's fighting for.

"We decided to launch it here because of the nature of the Golf Club and just, if you look outside, you'll see how gorgeous and beautiful it is and obviously, Calgary and Airdrie and this area is extremely important to myself and the United Conservative Party."

Despite many conservative members not supporting unity and even fleeing to other parties in Alberta, Jean and Pitt say they're moving in the right direction.

"We have such an opportunity in front of us to make this the party of the people and the party of Alberta for a very long time," said Pitt, "I'm here to win the hearts and minds of people," added Jean.

Didsbury MLA Nathan Cooper was named earlier in the day as the interim leader of the party and will hold that position until the leadership convention on October 28th.

 

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