Update: Ken Hughes resigns from cabinet in likely bid for Tory leadership

Ken Hughes has stepped down from his cabinet post ahead of a likely bid for the Progressive Conservative leadership.

Hughes said Monday he had informed Premier Dave Hancock that he was resigning as Municipal Affairs minister immediately.

The Calgary-West MLA told reporters at the provincial legislature he would make an announcement on his leadership intentions in a matter of days.

There will be more about this later in the week, said Hughes, who was first elected to the legislature in 2012.

I think you can speculate quite widely about why.

Read Ken Hughes' announcement

Following Alison Redfords resignation as premier in the midst of an outcry over her expenses and management style, Hughes announced two weeks ago he was launching an exploratory committee to determine whether he should run for Tory leader.

He said at the time he would gather feedback from the public and make a decision in two weeks.

PC members will select a new leader and Alberta premier in September, with Hancock serving in the interim.

Hughes told the Herald he had resigned his cabinet seat of his own volition.

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Update: Ken Hughes resigns from cabinet in likely bid for Tory leadership