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 Alberta Liberal party leader Kevin Taft reacts to early unexpected news about a poor Liberal showing throughout the province at his campaign office on Monday evening. Jordan Verlage/SUN MEDIA |
Liberal Opposition leader Kevin Taft will fight the Tories in the legislature with a "small but mighty team" after voters handed Premier Ed Stelmach an even bigger majority last night.
A subdued Taft conceded defeat but urged party faithful to "get ready to roll up your sleeves and come out swinging tomorrow."
TORY SURGE IN CAPITAL
The reduced caucus came as a result of a Conservative surge in Edmonton, where the Tories unseated several Liberals and New Democrats.
Meanwhile, Calgary voters defied predictions that they would punish the Tories and give the Liberals a breakthrough in the southern city. Instead, they stuck with tradition and voted overwhelmingly Conservative.
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Asked about his future as party leader, Taft said he wanted to think about it for a few days and talk to his family.
Clearly downcast as he spoke to party faithful, he still pledged to continue the fight with his "small but mighty team."
"We'll stand proud in the legislature, ready to hold this government to account and to stick up for the best interests of Albertans. There will be no free ride, I can tell that to the government," he said.
"All of us should hold our heads high for fighting for democracy," he added. "We delivered an essential, innovative agenda for change in this election."
NEW DEM'S CUT IN HALF
The New Democrat caucus was cut in half, from four to two, as Edmonton-Calder's David Eggen and Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview's Ray Martin were replaced by Tories Doug Elniski and Tony Vandermeer, respectively.
NDP Leader Brian Mason hung onto his seat in Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood and rookie Rachel Notley won a seat in Edmonton-Strathcona.