EDMONTON—Stephen Mandel is stepping down as leader of the Alberta Party to pursue a role as chancellor at Concordia University, effective June 30.

The former Edmonton mayor served as the party’s leader for 15 months. The party ran candidates in all 87 provincial ridings in the spring election but did not win any seats. During the campaign, the party branded itself as the centrist choice for voters.

According to a news release, the party captured 172,000 votes in 2019, compared to 33,000 in 2015.

“To serve as the leader for the past 15 months has been a tremendous honour. The results were not as we had hoped but I believe we have broken new ground by gaining the support of over (nine per cent) of the popular vote,” Mandel said in the news release.

He added that he appreciates voters’ support and plans to stay active within the party and help it prepare for the next election.

Details for a leadership race are expected at the party’s next AGM, which is not yet scheduled. The party says their next priority is to elect an interim leader and multiple candidates have already expressed interest.

Read more about: