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By Chris Brown

Barnes says he’s prepared to rejoin UCP caucus

May 19, 2022 | 12:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes says he is interested in rejoining the United Conservative Party caucus.

In a statement, Barnes, who has been sitting as an Independent, calls today a great day for Albertans that allows the opportunity for a fresh start for the party and the province.

He says “with new leadership in place and only with new leadership in place, I am prepared to rejoin Caucus and get to work assisting these efforts.”

He adds it’s important for the party to swear-in an interim leader as quickly as possible.

Barnes’ statement continues, “With a new Premier the UCP can begin turning the page on the mistakes of the past three years and rededicate itself to unity through our shared principles.”

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He also urges the party to name a new minister of intergovernmental affairs to make it clear to Ottawa this is no time for federal interference in matters of provincial jurisdiction.

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Barnes was long a vocal critic of Premier Jason Kenney. He was kicked out of the UCP caucus in May 2021 along with Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Loewen, another vocal Kenney critic.

The UCP caucus held a meeting in Calgary today.