United Conservative Party voters have had their say, and they said Danielle Smith should be their next leader.

Smith, a long-time politician and TV radio host was considered one of the front runners from the start of the four-month race.

Smith won on the sixth ballot. Candidates were required to secure at least 50 per cent, plus one vote, on a ranked ballot system. The last place vote-getter is removed from the list and their ranks added to the next round.

Smith was one of seven candidates. That list included Leela Aheer, Brian Jean, Todd Loewen, Rajan Sawhney, Rebecca Schulz and Travis Toews, along with Smith.

Nearly 124,000 people had purchased or renewed their UCP memberships by the Aug. 12 deadline.

Before the announcement, party brass rallied UCP supporters in attendance at the BMO Centre in Calgary.

UCP President Cynthia Moore said they’ve now got 250 days until the next Alberta provincial election. Choosing the next leader of the party is a milestone.

“To all of our leadership candidates here tonight, the message from our party members is simple. We’re behind you,” she said.  

“We are united, and we’ll do whatever you need to win the next election and keep Alberta on the right track.”

Smith ran an anti-Ottawa campaign, with the proposed Sovereignty Act soaking up much of the attention. She also dove into health care, with health spending accounts for Albertans and a 30-day review of Alberta Health Services.

She also wants to see broad-based testing of Alberta students to see where they’re at post-pandemic.