UCP MLAs look to leadership review for stability ahead of 2023 election

April is known to bring signs of spring and the final thaw of winter to Alberta. 

This year, some United Conservative MLAs are hoping it also brings renewal for their governing party as the months tick down to the May 2023 provincial election. 

Premier Jason Kenney will face a leadership review by party members on April 9 in Red Deer. Many in his caucus are looking expectantly to that date to provide some cohesion in the party as they gear up to face Rachel Notley's NDP, who they trail in the polls by double digits. 

Some MLAs say they're searching for solutions that will stitch the party back together — whether that involves Jason Kenney or not. 

CBC News spoke to five UCP caucus members about the path forward. The MLAs fall on both sides of both COVID management and whether they want Kenney to continue as leader. They also represent both rural and urban ridings.

"The party no longer has balance. It should be a good balance between the leader and the people," one MLA said. "The opportunity is here to set things right."

CBC News has agreed not to use their names because they feared repercussions from party leadership and the premier's office for discussing these matters publicly. Other MLAs were contacted but did not respond or declined to comment.

The MLAs say to win the next election, the party needs to show Albertans it can be responsible and provide capable leadership during a time of change for the province. 

Some members CBC spoke to admitted the government has fallen short on that.

"The feedback is that there's great concerns about being committed to being principled," an MLA said. "Does this government only do the right thing when it's exposed?"

Several MLAs said the handling of cabinet minister scandals, the photos of a patio dinner during time of heavy COVID restrictions and government flip-flopping on other policies like coal mining, often makes it difficult to defend the government's actions to their constituents.

"In some areas of government there is a sense of entitlement, but I also think that the leadership style of the premier hasn't created a culture of humility, honesty or transparency," one said.

"People expect open, transparent, truthful government and I didn't get elected to deliver anything but that. Albertans deserve better."

Another MLA said so much energy is spent on internal crises that little is left to debate policy.