New Alberta NDP leader Nenshi outlines priorities as party names Opposition leader

Entering his first full week as leader of Alberta's New Democrats, Naheed Nenshi on Monday laid out his initial roadmap for the party and outlined new roles for some caucus members.

On Saturday, the former Calgary mayor garnered 86 per cent of votes from party members, easily securing victory as the new leader of the Alberta NDP.

Though he now leads the party, Nenshi does not hold a seat in the legislature. That means he can't yet fill the role of Opposition leader, a position left vacant with the departure of former party leader Rachel Notley.

"I'm in no rush to gain a seat in the legislature because I actually think that, having not been in the legislature before, having been in politics in a different way, I bring a set of fresh eyes to the situation," Nenshi told reporters Monday.

While Nenshi and party officials zero in on a possible seat, Christina Gray, House leader of the NDP and MLA for Edmonton-Mill Woods, will hold the title of leader of the Official Opposition. Gray will also remain House leader.

"This is an exciting time for our caucus and movement, and we are looking forward to continuing to fight for a better future for all Albertans," Gray said in a statement.

Edmonton-Whitemud MLA Rakhi Pancholi, who was a part of the NDP leadership race before dropping out to endorse Nenshi, will be the deputy leader. 

Speculation has pinpointed Lethbridge-West as a possible option for Nenshi. That seat will be vacated July 1 by former NDP environment minister Shannon Phillips, who announced her resignation earlier this month.

Speaking Monday on the Calgary Eyeopener, Nenshi said he likely wouldn't run in that riding.

"Probably not. I will have some good conversations with the people in Lethbridge about what they're thinking about," Nenshi said. 

"But I believe that we really should have MLAs that are able to spend time in their constituency, that are able to represent them."

Nenshi said no other changes would be made in the House leadership or critic roles at this time.

As was the case during the leadership campaign, discussion around the future of the provincial NDP's affiliation with the federal party was of key focus in Nenshi's first few days as leader.

He told reporters on Saturday it was possible party members could make a decision on that front at a party convention next spring, and reiterated such a timeline Monday on CBC's Alberta@Noon.