Scott Sinclair (UCP), the MLA for Lesser Slave Lake, rejoined the United Conservative Party caucus on May 7 [1].
The move restores party alignment for a northern Alberta representative who had been operating as an independent for over a year [2]. This reconciliation follows a period of public friction between Sinclair and the governing party leadership over regional funding and fiscal priorities.
Sinclair was removed from the UCP caucus in March 2025 [3]. His expulsion stemmed from remarks he made criticizing the provincial budget, specifically arguing that the financial plan failed to address the needs of his riding and the broader northern Alberta region [4].
To facilitate his return, Sinclair issued an apology within the legislature [4]. The UCP leadership accepted the apology, allowing the MLA to return to the governing fold on Thursday [1].
Sinclair has served as a backbencher for northern Alberta since 2023 [5]. His time as an independent member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta highlighted internal tensions regarding how the provincial government allocates resources to rural, and northern districts [4].
By returning to the caucus, Sinclair regains the formal support and coordination of the governing party. The UCP has not released further details regarding the specific terms of his readmission beyond the requirement of the legislative apology [1].
“Scott Sinclair rejoined the United Conservative Party caucus on May 7.”
The readmission of Scott Sinclair suggests a strategic effort by the UCP to maintain a unified front in northern Alberta. By requiring a formal apology for budget criticisms, the party reinforces caucus discipline while simultaneously removing a public example of internal dissent within the governing ranks.
