Alberta Tory Party prepares for possible spring election against Smith's UCP

Peter Guthrie says the new Progressive Tory Party is organizing now in case Premier Danielle Smith calls a spring election; Smith has dismissed the idea and said she intends to serve the full term.

Peter Guthrie, leader of the Progressive Tory Party, says his new party is racing to organize in case Premier Danielle Smith calls a spring election. He described work on building constituency associations, confirming candidates, raising funds and drafting a platform. The next scheduled Alberta general election is October 2027, though rumours of an earlier vote have circulated. Smith has publicly dismissed the prospect of an early election and said she intends to govern for the full term. Key details: - Guthrie said the party now has a governing board and is actively organizing at the constituency level, preparing for a possible spring vote. - Smith dismissed an early election and said fixed election dates and four-year mandates exist for a reason; she also said the polling she has seen suggests the UCP would perform well. - Guthrie and Scott Sinclair are former UCP members who were moved to sit as Independents after disputes; Guthrie left cabinet over procurement and alleged health-care contract issues, while Sinclair was removed after threatening to vote against the budget. - The United Conservative Association has filed a lawsuit naming Guthrie, Sinclair and Alberta Party president Lindsay Amantea, accusing them of conspiring to damage the UCP’s image; the allegations have not been tested in court and both sides say they are working to resolve the dispute. - New December legislation bars incoming parties from using certain distinctive words in their names; Justice Minister Mickey Amery described the change as non-partisan to avoid confusion, while Guthrie said it created hurdles for his party; Elections Alberta granted a six-month extension for required incorporation paperwork. Summary: The Progressive Tory Party is actively organizing and legal and legislative disputes have added administrative hurdles, while Premier Smith has rejected the idea of calling an early election; whether a spring election will be called is undetermined at this time.