The Alberta NDP is preparing for a leadership race following the Jan. 16 announcement by current leader and former premier Rachel Notley that she will be stepping down once a replacement can be found.

While the details of who can enter the race are still being worked out, Mount Royal University political science professor Keith Brownsey says there could be some surprises.

“A lot of people are having a kick at the tires right now,” he told The Epoch Times. “It’s going to be a tough job. They’ve got a tough act to follow.”