After nearly a decade leading the Alberta New Democrats, Rachel Notley says she’s calling it quits.
The move comes amid speculation about her future, following her party’s loss in last year’s provincial election to the United Conservative Party.
The one-time premier of Alberta says while the party organizes the next leadership race, she intends to remain on as leader until her successor is chosen.
An emotional Notley says her goal is to help lead caucus until that is settled, and she didn’t commit to whether she will continue on in her riding seat in the legislature.
Notley was elected leader in 2014 and ended a 44-year run by the Tories, by winning the 2015 election.
Under Notley’s leadership, the NDP transformed from four seats to an established alternative against the Conservatives.
However, she saw defeat in 2019 and last year to Danielle Smith’s U.C.P., which then sparked the speculation whether it was time for a change.
Notley was asked if there was any pressure to step down, following what is being perceived as campaign video from a fellow caucus member.
“When you answer the question about your future with ‘I’m thinking about it’, it’s only natural for folks to start thinking about how they are going to go about that potential opportunity, their future,” Notley said.
“I’ve been pretty comfortable with the level of conversation going on, it’s healthy to be honest. So I’m comfortable with all of that and I’m comfortable with whatever someone else might be stepping up in the future.”
Notley says she isn’t supporting any particular candidate in the upcoming race.
She also says she isn’t planning a run for federal politics, but she did not rule out running again provincially in the future.
