Danielle Smith Becomes Alberta’s Premier-Designate After UCP Members Elect Her as Party Leader

Danielle Smith celebrates after being chosen as the new leader of the United Conservative Party and next Alberta premier in Calgary, Alta., on Oct. 6, 2022. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

United Conservative Party (UCP) members have chosen Danielle Smith as their new leader, making her the next premier of Alberta.

The former leader of the Wildrose Party, who had stepped away from politics for several years, won the contest on the sixth ballot against UCP MLA and former finance minister Travis Toews.