Mike Derry wins UCP nomination for Calgary-Shaw byelection
An HR consultant defeated Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean in a close vote at the party's nomination contest Wednesday, with Premier Danielle Smith on hand to congratulate the winner.
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Mike Derry secured the United Conservative Party's nomination for the Calgary-Shaw byelection on June 25, narrowly defeating Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean in a vote by UCP members.
Derry, owner of LegendDERRY Talent, a human resources and business consultancy, won 286 to 221 in the contest held at Cardel Rec South in Shawnessy. He previously worked in corporate roles at Telus and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. before founding his firm in 2022.
"Nothing was given to me," Derry said in an interview. "My team and I had to work very hard. We tried to knock on every single door in Calgary-Shaw."
Derry, who was born in Calgary and later relocated to south Calgary, emphasized his local roots. "I live local, my kids go to school local and I think whether you live local or not, you have to actually represent and experience local issues," he said.
Premier Danielle Smith congratulated Derry in person after his win and thanked McLean for his campaign. McLean, a second-term councillor representing Ward 13 since October 2021, said he would continue advocating for conservative policies at city hall.
The byelection was triggered by the resignation of former UCP cabinet minister Rebecca Schulz, who stepped away from provincial politics in May. Under provincial law, the byelection must be held by November. The Alberta NDP intends to nominate a candidate for the riding, which covers the southern tip of Calgary including Shawnessy, Somerset, Silverado, and Legacy.
