Danielle Smith is back.
The former opposition and Wildrose Party leader has announced her intention to become the United Conservative Party nominee for Livingstone-Macleod in next year's general election. The riding includes portions of Foothills County, the MD of Willow Creek, the MD of Pincher Creek, the MD of Crowsnest Pass and Waterton National Park,
Roger Reid is currently the MLA for Livingstone-Macleod.
She's also got her eyes on the top prize – Smith is gunning for Premier Jason Kenney's spot as leader of the party.
If Kenney loses his April 9 leadership review, Smith said she'll put her name in for consideration.
Brian Jean, also a former leader of the Wildrose has been adamant about his distaste for the premier.
Jean recently won the byelection in Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, securing the UCP candidate seat. He's indicated he also intends to run for Kenney's spot if he is defeated in the vote.
Smith has a long history in politics. She the leader of the Wildrose Party from 2009-14, at which time she crossed the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives under Jim Prentice. She brought eight other members with her.
Prior to joining the Wildrose Party in 2009, Smith was a member of the PC Party.
Smith won the Highwood seat in 2012, which includes Okotoks and surrounding Foothills County, defeating Progressive Conservative John Barlow, now the member of parliament for Foothills and the agricultural critic.
She was defeated in her run for the PC nomination in Highwood during the 2015 byelection by Carrie Fischer, who was an Okotoks councillor.
The Wheel has reached out to Smith for comment and this story will be updated when that becomes available.
