UCP leadership race scandal likely to become election issue, says political scientist
MEDICINE HAT, AB — The recent “kamikaze campaign” scandal centering around United Conservative Party leader Jason Kenney will become an issue during the upcoming spring election, a local political scientist predicts.
“This could be a big issue for the election,” said Jim Groom, a political science instructor with Medicine Hat College. “The election has to take place by the end of May, and this is very topical right at the current time.”
The scandal focuses on the campaign for the United Conservative Party leadership in 2017, specifically Jeff Callaway. Multiple outlets, including the CBC and the Edmonton Journal, have published reports, alleging Callaway was a “kamikaze candidate” who collaborated with Kenney’s campaign during the leadership race. It is alleged that Callaway targeted Jean during debates and other appearances, to allow Kenney to avoid making the attacks.
Callaway withdrew from the running before the vote and endorsed Kenney, who was elected leader of the party.