Ted Morton resigned Thursday as Alberta Minister of Finance, but remain in caucus, a move that fires the starter pistol unofficially on the Tory leadership race and Conservative MLAs in conflict over when Premier Ed Stelmach has to leave. Morton announced his surprise departure – and plans to run for the Conservative crown – at a hastily called news conference with Stelmach at the McDougall Centre in Calgary, after one hour meeting between Prime Minister and former Minister of Finance.
The resignation came less than 24 hours after Morton said he had no plans to quit the same week Stelmach announced he will resign as prime minister in the coming months. The two heavyweights Tory said the decision was entirely based on Morton’s interest in the party reins, and the need to resign his portfolio to avoid any perceptions that he used his office to advance his leadership aspirations.
The resignation came less than 24 hours after Morton said he had no plans to quit the same week Stelmach announced he will resign as prime minister in the coming months. The two heavyweights Tory said the decision was entirely based on Morton’s interest in the party reins, and the need to resign his portfolio to avoid any perceptions that he used his office to advance his leadership aspirations.
Treasury Board President Lloyd Snelgrove, who has no interest in the management, the role of Minister of Finance and deliver the next provincial budget in the legislature, Morton’s resignation came just two days after he had finished his post over what sources said was a budget he does not agree to stop, and when Tory MLAs recognize many caucus members are not happy with the spending blueprint.
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