A day after Dave Hancock was sworn in to lead the province of Alberta, a pair of potential candidates has already said they are considering running for Premier.
Hancock took the oath of office on Sunday, becoming the 15th premier and replacing Alison Redford.
Redford resigned last week following weeks of controversy over travel expenses.
He was hand-picked by caucus the day after Redford resigned.
"I'm honoured by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me and I'm humbled by the sense of responsibility and the opportunity to serve," Hancock said in a speech.
Hancock says that he is not interested in seeking the permanent position and will only stay there for four to six months.
During his speech on Sunday, he thanked Alison Redford.
"She worked tirelessly to promote our province and to build its place in Canada and the world," he said.
"I want to extend my thanks, those of my colleagues and of all Albertans to Premier Redford for her service and for her sacrifice.”
Redford was not in attendance, but her resignation letter was read aloud at the meeting.
Two candidates have already announced that they are strongly considering throwing their hat into the ring.
Calgary-Acadia MLA Jonathan Denis, who serves as the province’s Justice Minister, says leadership is definitely on his mind.
“Well, it’s the early days. It’s not something we’re ruling out,” said Denis on Monday morning. “The most important thing for me is speaking to my constituents in Calgary-Acadia, see what they have to say and we’re in the process of doing that. But, right now, we need to know what leadership rules the party sets out. My understanding is they’ll meet in Red Deer this week to do that.”
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Calgary-West MLA Ken Hughes is also considering running for leadership.
He launched the website albertaleadership.com to help gauge Albertans feelings about him running for Premier.
He also wants to know what qualities a good leader should have.
“In order to be a leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta and the Premier of Alberta, you need to be a leader within caucus,” Hughes said during a media conference on Monday morning. “Beyond that, I need to know that what Albertans are looking for is what I have. It’s quite possible that’s not the case – I want to know that.”
Party officials in Alberta will meet Monday in Red Deer to set out the details for the race to choose their new leader.
Under party rules, the vote must be held no earlier than four months from now and no later than six.
A number of PC cabinet ministers have said they're mulling over a run for the leadership.
(With files from CTVNews.ca)
