Alberta NDP leadership race erupts as Ashton rejects McPherson's anti-Lewis alliance
Tensions have flared in Alberta's NDP leadership race after Rob Ashton rejected a proposal from rival Heather McPherson. The move reveals internal campaign strategies as both sides position themselves against front-runner Avi Lewis.
The dispute centres on Lewis's long-standing opposition to fossil fuel expansion—a stance opponents claim could hurt the party's chances in energy-dependent regions.
Heather McPherson's team approached Rob Ashton with a ranked-ballot deal, aiming to unite support against Avi Lewis. Under the plan, Ashton's backers would rank McPherson second, and her supporters would do the same for him. But Ashton's campaign dismissed the offer, arguing it provided no real advantage and risked weakening his appeal.
Aly Koa, speaking for Ashton, insisted the leadership race 'belongs to members, not to conversations between campaigns'. The rejection highlights behind-the-scenes manoeuvring as candidates jockey for position. McPherson's campaign has repeatedly raised concerns about Lewis's anti-fossil-fuel stance, warning it could trigger a backlash in Alberta and Saskatchewan. In an email to supporters, Cathy Sproule—a McPherson ally—pointed to 2016, when provincial Conservatives used Lewis's *Leap Manifesto* to attack New Democrats. Sproule noted that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently revived the same tactic in the legislature, framing Lewis as a threat to the energy sector. McPherson's team also suggested the race is tightening, with internal assessments showing her in a close contest with Lewis. But Ashton's refusal to collaborate leaves the outcome uncertain as members prepare to vote.
The failed alliance exposes deep divisions over strategy and policy within the NDP. Ashton's decision to go it alone means all three candidates will now compete directly for second-choice rankings.
With fossil fuel politics playing a central role, the leadership vote will test whether Lewis's environmental stance resonates—or alienates—party members in resource-heavy provinces.
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