Saskatchewan

Alanna Koch denies 'absolutely ridiculous accusation' she received debate questions ahead of time

Alanna Koch says she did well in the Sask. Party leadership debate in Weyburn because she knows what she's talking about — not because she received questions ahead of time.

Sask. Party leadership candidate says 'strong' debating skills a result of civil service work

Saskatchewan Party leadership candidate Alanna Koch speaks during her leadership run announcement event on a farm just south of Regina, Saskatchewan on August 28, 2017. (Brandon Harder/CBC)

Three Saskatchewan Party candidates expressed concern last week that questions for the Weyburn leadership debate on Nov. 30 may have been leaked to one candidate ahead of time. Alanna Koch is having none of it.

According to the party, candidates Gord Wyant, Tina Beaudry-Mellor and Scott Moe submitted a signed letter last week, detailing their concerns but did not name the suspected culprit in the letter.

"I do appreciate the acknowledgement that I was very strong at the debate. However, if I would have known the questions, I hope that I would have done even better," Koch said in a press release.

Instead, Koch claims her performance at the debate was the result of her work as a government employee.

"In every debate, I anticipate regional questions and am always well prepared."

Koch called the allegations an "absolutely ridiculous accusation," which she suspects is an attempt to discredit her campaign.

The letter has been forwarded to the leadership organizing committee for review and potential investigation.

The Sask. Party will choose its new leader next month after Premier Brad Wall announced he would be retiring from politics.

Whoever is elected the next party leader will also become the next premier of Saskatchewan.