| Election Name: | 2011 Alberta Liberal Party leadership election |
| Country: | Alberta |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2008 Alberta Liberal Party leadership election |
| Previous Year: | 2008 |
| Next Election: | 2017 Alberta Liberal Party leadership election |
| Next Year: | 2017 |
| Election Date: | September 10, 2011 |
| Candidate1: | Raj Sherman |
| Party1: | Liberal |
| Popular Vote1: | 4,684 |
| Percentage1: | 54% |
| Party2: | Liberal |
| Popular Vote2: | 2,239 |
| Percentage2: | 26% |
| Party3: | Liberal |
| Popular Vote3: | 854 |
| Percentage3: | 9% |
| Candidate4: | Bill Harvey |
| Party4: | Liberal |
| Popular Vote4: | 626 |
| Percentage4: | 7% |
| Candidate5: | Bruce Payne |
| Party5: | Liberal |
| Popular Vote5: | 197 |
| Percentage5: | 2% |
| Leader | |
| Before Election: | David Swann |
| After Election: | Raj Sherman |
| Party: | Alberta Liberal Party |
| Fontcolour: | white |
| Year: | 2011 |
| Date: | September 10, 2011 |
| Winner: | Raj Sherman |
| Ballots: | 1 |
| Replaces: | David Swann |
| Numcands: | 5 |
An election for the leadership of the Alberta Liberal Party was held on September 10, 2011,[1] which was caused by David Swann's announcement on February 1, 2011, of his intention to resign as leader. The election is the party's second since the 2008 election. MLA Raj Sherman was elected on the first ballot. An open nomination system was used in which any Albertan could vote in the election, even if they were not party members.[2]
Because of a Progressive Conservative leadership election, the PCs elected a new leader on October 1, 2011. The media were speculating that the new PC leader, who would become Premier, may call a snap election rather than wait until 2013.[3] This did not come to fruition, however, and Alison Redford stated that a general election would be held in the spring.
At the close of nominations, there were five candidates for leader:[4]
| Candidate | Votes[5] | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raj Sherman | 4,684 | 54% | |
| Hugh MacDonald | 2,239 | 26% | |
| Laurie Blakeman | 854 | 9% | |
| Bill Harvey | 626 | 7% | |
| Bruce Payne | 197 | 2% | |
| Total | 8,640 |