First candidate in Alberta PC leadership race drops out to support Jim Prentice

CALGARY – One of two declared candidates in Alberta’s Progressive Conservative race has dropped out to support former federal Conservative cabinet minister Jim Prentice.

Former Municipal Affairs minister Ken Hughes says he entered the race in good faith and had planned to stay in it until a winner is declared in September.

But he says it’s becoming more apparent there is growing consensus that Prentice is the man who can help restore Albertans’ trust in the party.

Hughes says he’s known Prentice nearly 40 years and he has a strong intellect, competence, common sense, experience in business and public service and an ability to project strong leadership.

Alberta Justice Minister Jonathan Denis (as in Dennis) announced Sunday night he was not going to run and is supporting Prentice as well.

The decision by Hughes leave former Infrastructure minister Ric McIver (muh-KYE’-vuhr) as the only remaining candidate, with an announcement from Prentice expected next week.