Ric McIver Quits Cabinet To Run For Alberta Tory Leadership

Ric McIver casts his ballot in the City of Calgary municipal election in Calgary, Monday, Oct. 18, 2010. (Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The race to become Alberta's next premier has a second official participant.

Calgary member of the legislature Ric McIver has announced he will run for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party.

The former Calgary alderman has stepped down as infrastructure minister in order to avoid a conflict of interest while he runs.

Former municipal affairs minister Ken Hughes has already joined the race.

Former Calgary MP Jim Prentice has not announced he is running, but his intermediaries have said he will soon enter the fray.

Tory party members will vote in September to pick a permanent replacement for former premier Alison Redford.