Article content

EDMONTON – In a surprise move Friday, Edmonton-Centre MLA Laurie Blakeman announced she will run under the Liberal, Alberta Party and Green party banners in the next provincial election.

Blakeman has secured the nominations for all three parties in her constituency in a move to unify the progressive vote in the next election, which is widely expected to be called soon after the budget is tabled on March 26.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Laurie Blakeman to run under banner of Liberals, Greens and Alberta Party Back to video

“I think that it’s no secret that I believe this is where progressive politics needs to go and I’m in a position to walk the talk,” the veteran MLA said at a legislature news conference, where she was flanked by Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark and Green party Leader Janet Keeping.

She said she was motivated by a desire to see fewer Conservatives elected to the legislative assembly and hopes other candidates across the province will follow in her steps.

Blakeman said she consulted with Alberta’s chief electoral officer about her unprecedented plan.

Elections Alberta rules stipulate Blakeman can only be listed as a candidate for one party, she said. As a result, elections ballots will list her as a Liberal party candidate, but her campaign materials and signs will showcase the logos for all three parties.

mibrahim@edmontonjournal.com

Twitter.com/mariamdena