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For the third time in less than a year, Rob Anders has lost a key political tussle — this time after the Wildrose party ruled the controversial Calgary-West MP won’t be allowed to seek the leadership of Alberta’s official Opposition.

“After reviewing Mr. Rob Anders’ leadership application and conducting an interview with Mr. Anders, the Wildrose executive committee voted unanimously last night not to accept his application,” said a statement from the party’s executive.

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“Anders has been deemed ineligible for candidacy with the Wildrose Party.”

The party’s president, Jeff Callaway, said the party won’t discuss specific reasons for the ruling, but confirmed Anders did not hold a party membership on Dec. 6. Prospective leadership candidates are required to have been a member for six months before the party’s scheduled vote on June 6.

“My job as president of the party is to ensure that we have a fair and open race,” Callaway said in an interview. “He was not a member of the party at that period in the time.”