Danielle Smith, Alberta’s new incoming premier, plans to meet with her United Conservative caucus today and begin putting her stamp on the party and government.

Smith will be sworn in Tuesday to replace outgoing Premier Jason Kenney.

Smith defeated six rivals in party voting Thursday, capturing nearly 54 per cent of the vote on the sixth and final ballot to claim victory.

Kenney announced he was quitting in May after receiving just 51 per cent support in a party leadership review.

Smith is a former journalist, business owner and leader of Alberta’s Wildrose party, which merged with the Progressive Conservatives five years ago to form the UCP.

She won on a platform to fight future COVID-19 health restrictions and federal policies deemed to be impeding the growth of Alberta’s oil and gas economy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2022.