Independent MLA Peter Guthrie has formally assumed leadership of the Alberta Party, announcing the move Tuesday evening in a post on X. Guthrie, a former member of the United Conservative Party caucus, was removed from government benches earlier this year before joining the Alberta Party alongside fellow ex-UCP MLA Scott Sinclair.
Guthrie previously revealed that Alberta Party members had voted overwhelmingly in favour of rebranding as the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party — a decision that immediately triggered legal backlash from the UCP government. The UCP argued that it owns the Progressive Conservative brand and trademarks, launching a lawsuit against Guthrie, Sinclair and then-party president Lindsay Amantea.
Tensions escalated last week when the UCP introduced omnibus Bill 14, which includes measures restricting newly formed parties from using names similar to long-standing political entities. The Progressive Conservative brand was once central to Alberta’s political identity, with the party holding power for more than 40 years before merging with the Wildrose in 2017 to create the UCP.
Guthrie’s leadership comes just days before the Alberta legislature is expected to conclude its fall sitting, setting the stage for continued legal and political confrontation over the province’s conservative legacy and control of its most recognizable party identity.
