2009 Wildrose Alliance Party leadership election

The 2009 leadership election for the Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta began on June 6, 2009, when leader Paul Hinman officially announced his resignation as leader of the party. This was the third leadership convention for the party under its banners since 2002.

2009 Wildrose Party leadership election
DateJune 6, 2009
ConventionEdmonton, Alberta
Resigning leaderPaul Hinman
Won byDanielle Smith
Ballots1
Candidates2

Announcement

In April 2009, Hinman announced his intention to resign at the party's annual general meeting, held June 6.[1] Hinman remained as interim leader of the party until the selection of the next leader in October.

Three candidates declared their candidacy for the position: Danielle Smith, Jeff Willerton and Mark Dyrholm. Smith was chosen as leader on October 17, in Edmonton.[2]

Candidates

Mark Dyrholm

Mark Dyrholm is the National Vice President for the Progressive Group for Independent Business (PGIB). He is also a chiropractor.

Danielle Smith

Danielle Smith

Danielle Smith is an Alberta journalist, broadcaster, business lobbyist and property rights advocate. Until recently she was the Alberta Director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. In May 2009 Smith announced her intention to seek the party's leadership. She was named one of Calgary's "Top 40 Under 40" in 2004.

Candidates that Withdrew

Jeff Willerton

Jeff Willerton is an author and entrepreneur, worked for three years with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, author of the book, FIX CANADA or Lose It. A five time provincial election candidate.

At a leadership forum in Calgary on September 16, Willerton announced that he is stepping out of the leadership race and will be supporting Mark Dyrholm.

Results

On October 17, 2009 Danielle Smith was chosen as the leader of the Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta.

First Ballot
CandidateVotes[3]%
Danielle Smith6,29576.77
Mark Dyrholm1,90523.23
Total8,200100

There were 97 spoiled ballots. Turnout was 71.5%

References
  1. Chris Varcoe (April 21, 2009). "Hinman out as Wildrose Alliance boss". Calgary Herald.
  2. The Canadian Press (June 7, 2009). "Two announce bid for Wildrose Alliance leadership". CTV News.
  3. "Wildrose must define itself, explain policies: analysts". Edmonton Journal. October 19, 2009.
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