From candidate to premier-designate: What happens after the UCP picks a new leader today?

Alberta's United Conservative Party is announcing a new leader Thursday night to replace Jason Kenney. The winner will become premier-designate until they are sworn in as premier by the lieutenant-governor at Government House in Edmonton.

Alberta's United Conservative Party is announcing a new leader Thursday night to replace Jason Kenney.

Seven people are running to lead the UCP: Danielle Smith, Travis Toews, Brian Jean, Rebecca Schulz, Rajan Sawhney, Leela Aheer and Todd Loewen.

The winner will become premier-designate until they are sworn in as premier by the lieutenant-governor at Government House in Edmonton.

The premier-designate will create a transition team and appoint key personnel, such as a chief of staff and press secretary, MacEwan University political science associate professor Chaldeans Mensah told CTV News.

Mensah told CTV News the premier-designate would likely be sworn in in about a week, in a ceremony where they would also announce their cabinet.

Beyond the usual process, things will look different if Smith wins — since she is the only candidate who does not hold a seat in the legislature.

Smith would have to call a byelection to be able to sit in the house.