Less than two years after winning a solid majority, Alison Redford resigned as premier of Alberta at a hastily called news conference March 19.
After weeks of growing discontent within the Progressive Conservative party from within and the public, Redford bowed to pressure and resigned.
“Quite simply I am not prepared to allow party and caucus infighting to get in the way of building a better future for our province and for all Albertans.
“And that is why I am announcing today, with a profound optimism for Alberta’s future, I am resigning as premier of Alberta, effective this Sunday evening,” said Redford.
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She did not take media questions after her news conference, nor after her speech earlier in the day at the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties convention where she got a luke warm reception.
Two Calgary MLAs quit the PC caucus to sit as independents earlier within the last week and many caucus members were openly criticizing her leadership.
Redford will continue to sit as a PC MLA for Calgary-Elbow. She was first elected in 2008 and was appointed as Justice minister by former Premier Ed Stelmach, who also lost the support of his party and resigned.
The PC caucus will meet Thursday to decide who will be the interim premier.
