Liberal leader Swann to step down

Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann announced Tuesdayhe willstep down as leader of the beleaguered party at the end of the spring session of the legislature.

Swann made the announcement after meetingwith members of the Liberal caucusto talk about the future, for both him and the party.

"This decision was mine and mine alone, as is the timing," Swann said.

In his speech, Swann said the Liberals have held the government to account on issues like health care. The party's finances are now solid, and the Liberals will be ready for another provincial election, Swann said.

"With these successes as a backdrop, it's the right time for a new leader and a new generation of Albertans to take our party into the future," he said.

Party officials will meet with Swann soon to discuss the timing of a leadership race. Swann will stay on as the MLA for Calgary-Mountain View but has not said whether he'll run in the next election.

He did not take questions from reporters after making his announcement.

No gain in public opinion polls

Swann hasonly been in the position for a little more than two years and has not led the Liberals through a general election. But his leadership has been controversial.

Calgary MLA Dave Taylor left the Liberals last year and has now joined the Alberta Party.

The Liberalsfailed to make any gains in public opinion polls last fall when the Tories struggled through a tumultuous fall session.

There were also rumours two Calgary Liberal MLAs were threatening tojoin the Alberta Party if Swann didn't leave.

Calgary-Varsity MLA Harry Chase confirmed all eight Liberal MLAs would sit in thelegislaturein the next session.

"Beyond a doubt, yes, and eight very focused and committed MLAs," he said.

Alberta NDP Leader Brian Mason said he admired Swann and called his a departure a loss to Alberta politics, but acknowledged Swann struggled as party leader.

"Especially in Edmonton where he's not as well known," Mason said.

As for his own future, Mason said he had the support of his party and is staying on as NDP leader.

"I believe that I'm the choice for this election to lead the Alberta New Democrats."

Sherman to consult with constituents

Swann's departure marks the third high-profle Alberta political resignation in the last week, following Premier Ed Stelmach and Finance Minister Ted Morton. Who will run to replace Swann as Liberal leader is unknown at this point.

MLA Raj Sherman, who was kicked out of the Tory caucus late last year for speaking out about health care, said he will sit in the legislature this session as an independent but didn't rule out a run for Liberal leadership.

"All options are open but at this point, the number one option for me is to fix the public health system ... I cannot make that decision without consulting with the people of Edmonton-Meadowlark,"Shermansaid.

"My decision will not be made until I consult with those who put me in this honourable office."

A Calgary political scientist suggests it might be difficult to find people to enter the Liberalrace.

"While there's been lots of speculation on who's going to want to go after the PC leadership, who's going to want the Liberal leadership?" asked Duane Bratt from Mount Royal University.

Bratt believes the next provincial election will play out on two fronts, with the Progressive Conservatives and Wildrose Alliance battling to form the government, and the Liberals, NDP and Alberta Party vying to become the official opposition.

He says the Liberals are losing the fight for the left, while the NDP and Alberta Party are making gains.