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Provincial minister Bhullar backs a Prentice run for Tory leadership

He hasn’t even said whether he will take a run at the job, but Jim Prentice has already got at least one member of the provincial cabinet endorsing him as a potential leader of Alberta’s governing Progressive Conservative.

CALGARY — He hasn’t even said whether he will take a run at the job, but Jim Prentice has already got at least one member of the provincial cabinet endorsing him as a potential leader of Alberta’s governing Progressive Conservative.

Human Services Minister Manmeet Bhullar (MUN’-meet BYOO’-lahr) says he thinks Alberta would benefit greatly if Prentice were its next premier.

The provincial Tories have been looking for a new leader since Alison Redford resigned as premier last month amid expense scandals and a caucus revolt.

Only one candidate, former municipal affairs minister Ken Hughes, has officially entered the race.

Prentice, who is a former federal cabinet minister, has been widely talked about as a potential candidate, but has yet to say whether he is considering a run at the job.

Asked if he has talked to Prentice about taking a shot, Bhullar would only say the former federal minister would have to speak for himself.

“I think the potential of somebody like Mr. Prentice is incredible for the people of Alberta and we’ll see what decision he makes,” Buhllar said.

“I’ll say I think the people of Alberta would greatly benefit from a strong leader like Mr. Prentice.”