EDMONTON - Ken Hughes has stepped down as Alberta's municipal affairs minister and is expected to run for the leadership of the governing Progressive Conservatives.

Hughes says more details about a potential leadership bid will be released in the coming days.

Hughes is a rookie member of the legislature from Calgary West and has also served as energy minister.

He says he has a good combination of political and business experience to do the top job.

Lethbridge member of the legislature Greg Weadick will take over for Hughes in the municipal affairs job.

PC party members will pick the new leader in September.