Ralph Klein's Leadership Review Numbers: Only 55% Approval!!

Yes, it is April Fool's day but this is NOT a joke! This is the real deal, folks. Ralph is toast.

It's been a nail biter of an evening as anxious Albertans have been waiting for the results of the PC Leadership Convention's review of Premier Ralph Klein's leadership.

Several protesters congregated outside of the convention site to express their opposition to Klein's "Third Way" health care reforms, which would result in a move to more privatization of services in the province.

Klein, who has always received numbers in the 90%+ range, has faced criticism from party members since he announced that he will resign in October 2007. His critics have claimed that such a long leadership race would cause instability in his party and government as Klein has asked any cabinet ministers interested in running to resign by June 1, 2006. Some convention delegates interviewed this evening talked with reporters about their concern for Klein's lack of vision and new ideas. Apparently, some younger members of the party are more than ready for a change.

Last week, former Infrastructure minister Lyle Oberg was summarily turfed from the government when he spoke up against Klein and hinted about the skeletons in the Klein government's closets. Oberg plans to make a run for the leadership.

I will post the results of tonite's vote as soon as they're in. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: The votes have been counted and Klein received only 55%!. He only needed 50% + 1, but this is a gigantic blow. His party is obviously fed up with his style of leadership. It sure took them long enough to catch up to the rest of us out here who've been screaming about King Ralph for years.

The 63-year-old political warhorse, who normally gets a percentage of party support in the high 90s, has said he will resign from the party if he doesn't achieve a "substantial majority" in his leadership review.

Klein hasn't indicated what that magic number is, but some of his political aides have indicated he would step aside to allow for a leadership contest if support falls below 75 per cent.

This could get very interesting. I'll post updates on convention news throughout the weekend.