Premier Jason Kenney spoke publicly Friday morning in Calgary's McDougall Centre as the UCP prepares its move into the next era..Kenney faced the press for the first time since his shocking announcement on Wednesday that he intends to step down as UCP leader and premier of Alberta..Despite winning the leadership confidence vote with a slim margin at 51.4% of the ballots, Kenney declared he had hoped for a bigger share of the vote. He considered the result was not a robust enough mandate from the UCP membership.. WATCH: Kenney speaks for first time since resignation.Premiere Kenney speaks to the media ahead of caucus meeting. .Kenney said he was pleased his cabinet had agreed to keep him on as premier until a new leader is found.."I was pleased that yesterday government caucus met and affirmed support for this approach allowing the government to maintain continuity and stability and continue to focus on his priorities," Kenney told the media assembly.."For me, that's the most important thing. This is critical time in our history. We are determined to keep our eye on the ball to continue to lead Canada in economic growth and job creation — to keep our commitments to fight for a stronger Alberta."."We'll continue to focus on the people's priorities. That's the most important thing in the most important time in Alberta's history.".Kenney refused to take media questions..His cabinet and caucus met Thursday for six hours to determine the party's path going into summer. They announced Kenney would continue as premier "until such time as a new leader is chosen.".Kenney listed his party's accomplishments under his leadership..“This is a demonstration that Alberta’s government continues to do the people’s business, continues to fight for this province, to work for a strong economy, to make life better for Albertans,” said Kenney.."We won an historic victory at the Alberta Court of Appeal in the central part of our strategy for strong Alberta, which was the four-to-one decision striking down Justin Trudeau's 'No More Pipelines' law," he said..His comment was followed by vigorous applause from Cabinet..Following Thursday’s meeting, Nathan Neudorf, United Conservative caucus chair, released the following statement: "Today, the United Conservative caucus had a vigorous discussion and debate about the future of our party and our government.."We agreed that we must remain united, focused on the best interests of Albertans, and committed to doing the job Albertans elected us to do.."In that spirit, we have affirmed Premier Jason Kenney’s continued leadership of our caucus and government until such time as a new leader is chosen, the timing of which will be determined by the United Conservative Party.".Kenney has fielded much criticism from Albertans and from his own party about the way he managed the pandemic and that he had mismanaged public and party calls on policy issues..Brian Jean, Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA, is one of Kenney’s most vocal critics and has made public his intention to become the next UCP leader, said Kenney ought to step aside to allow the party to begin healing.
