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Jun 7, 2022 6:26 PM - THE CANADIAN PRESS

Former Kenney cabinet minister Leela Aheer running to replace him as UCP leader

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Leela Aheer to run for UCP leadership_CP

A United Conservative backbencher removed from Premier Jason Kenney's cabinet after publicly criticizing him is running to replace him in the party's upcoming leadership race.

Leela Aheer, speaking on the Real Talk Ryan Jespersen podcast, says her goal is to rebuild broken trust with Albertans.

The two-term legislature member represents the Chestermere-Strathmore constituency east of Calgary.

She was named to Kenney's original cabinet in April 2019 as the minister of culture, multiculturalism and the status of women.

Kenney booted her last July after she openly criticized Kenney over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he denied the demotion was because she had criticized him. Her portfolio was broken up and spread over multiple ministries.

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