Meet the UCP Nomination Contestants in Lethbridge-West
Although the result of the upcoming Lethbridge-West by-election will not impact who forms government in Alberta, there is little question about the importance of winning the seat for the United Conservatives. The campaign represents two major opportunities for the governing party – the chance to sweep the city of Lethbridge and the first chance for Team Smith to go head to head against Team Nenshi in an election.
For the UCP, no major alarm bells will raise should the NDP hold Lethbridge-West. Governing parties typically do not perform well in by-elections – especially where the official opposition has held the seat for so long. However, that does not mean the party will not throw everything they have at the chance to turn another important seat blue.
The United Conservatives has recently closed the nomination period, producing three candidates that will be vying for the nod to represent the party on the ballot when the by-election is eventually held. The nomination vote will be completed on Monday, September 23rd.
Shauna Gruninger
Source: The Lethbridge Herald
The Lethbridge real estate agent has volunteered for Little League Alberta, Dynamically Speaking Toastmasters, and with other organizations like BNI Elevate, YWCA, and LDAR.
In an interview with the Lethbridge Herald, Gruninger said that “I think I will be a very strong voice. I think that I will be a very good candidate to represent Lethbridge-West and I will do everything that I can. My work ethic is very clear of who I am and what I do as a business owner and as a mom. I have children that are very successful as well, and I think that all speaks to who I am and my integrity and how passionate I am about making things better.”
Erin Leclerc
Source: The Calgary Herald
Minister Nathan Neudorf’s former constituency assistant has opted to throw her name into the mix for the UCP nomination. She has also spent time working with Conservative MP Rachel Thomas (nee Harder).
In an interview with Lethbridge News Now, Leclerc indicates that she built plenty of experience for advocating for both of the city’s ridings as she would field many calls from West residents. This required her to ask in a liaison capacity between the riding and government.
“There’s a lot of issues, there’s a lot of concerns, and there’s a lot of needs. I’m going to try to be the type of person that highlights those needs to the government and to the caucus and make sure Lethbridge is well represented.”
John Middleton-Hope
Source: LinkedIn
After a career spanning decades in policing and law enforcement, Middleton-Hope successfully ran for Lethbridge City Council back in 2021. He holds multiple academic degrees in addition to being a graduate of both the Canadian Police College and FBI Academy. Additionally, he owned and operated M-H Learning International Consultants EXP. He is also the former chief of the Lethbridge Police Service and serves as an instructor with both Lethbridge College and Athabasca University.
Speaking to local media, Middleton-Hope explained why he believes he is the best choice for Lethbridge-West.
“Experience, expertise, energy, and electability. I’ve been told I’m highly electable, I’ve been elected in Lethbridge before, and as a result of that, I think that those four Es provide me the initiative to move forward.”