4 candidates now officially running for United Conservative Party leadership

Four candidates have officially put their names forward in the United Conservative Party leadership contest.

Elections Alberta's updated list of registered leadership contestants includes a former cabinet minister, two former leaders of the Wildrose Party and an Independent MLA.

Grande Prairie-Wapiti MLA Travis Toews announced his candidacy on Tuesday. The same day, he resigned as Alberta's finance minister. Premier Jason Kenney said Thursday on Twitter that Jason Nixon will now act as finance minister while maintaining his role as minister of environment and parks.

Also in the running for the UCP leadership are Danielle Smith and Brian Jean, two former leaders of the Wildrose Party. Both have now officially registered. Jean won a byelection in March to become MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche.

On Wednesday, Todd Loewen, Independent MLA for Central Peace-Notley, announced his candidacy.

Loewen was expelled from the UCP caucus in May 2021 over allegations he and MLA Drew Barnes divided the party and undermined government leadership.

Too many politicians are "all talk and no action," Loewen told CBC Wednesday.

"I think there's an opportunity to have politicians that act and do what they say they're going to do."

Loewen said he wants to change the UCP's leadership style to foster a more "collaborative style."

"We've seen MLAs ignored in the past," he said.

"MLAs are there to represent their constituents. They're elected to do that. We need to ... have collaboration and have all the people that are at the table listened to, and make decisions that are best for all Albertans."

Several other candidates are considering runs to replace Premier Jason Kenney, who announced his resignation as UCP leader last month after earning 51.4 per cent support in a leadership review.

Kenney plans to stay on as premier until the party chooses a new leader.

The UCP has not announced the rules or fees for the leadership race. The party has selected 12 people to serve on a committee to establish the rules for choosing a new leader.