By CHAT News Today

Richard Starke will not join the United Conservative Party caucus

Jul 24, 2017 | 11:13 AM

EDMONTON – The MLA who ran for leadership of the former Progressive Conservative party says he will not join the United Conservative Party Caucus.

Richard Starke, who represents Vermilion-Lloydminster, made the announcement on Facebook Monday morning.

“At the conclusion of the PC Leadership campaign I was assured that my voice and those of the people who supported me would be welcomed by the new leadership. I took that assurance in good faith,” Starke’s statement reads.

“My experience, and that of many like-minded party members who have left or been driven from the party, is that our views are not welcome, and that the values and principles we believe in will not be part of the new party going forward.”

Starke ran against Jason Kenney and Byron Nelson for leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party earlier this year.

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Starke’s said in his statement he has informed Speaker Bob Wanner and the Legislative Assembly Office of his intention to not sit as a member of the caucus.