CALGARY — The UCP has reportedly removed Alberta independence advocate Jeffrey Rath from the party after weeks of calls from the nationalist to remove Premier Danielle Smith as party leader. Sources told the Western Standard on Friday that the party decided to remove Rath's membership. Rath says he has not yet received confirmation of the cancellation, but he has received a refund he had not requested on his annual general meeting ticket. "It is highly questionable that Danielle Smith and her minions would take the step of stripping party membership from a party member for advocating for a leadership review, which is expressly permitted under the UCP bylaws," said Rath in an interview with the Western Standard. "Danielle Smith has proven that she cannot tolerate free speech within the United Conservative Party, and has decided that behaving like a dictator is the way to victory in 2027. I am of the belief that this will backfire colossally in her face and will renew even further calls for a leadership review or for Danielle Smith's resignation." Rath said he has not decided whether he will appeal the decision, and he intends to attend the AGM. More to come...
