Alberta Premier Redford resigns following expenses scandal

Alberta Premier Alison Redford announces her resignation in the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton March 19, 2014. REUTERS/Dan Riedlhuber

CALGARY (Reuters) - Alberta Premier Alison Redford said on Wednesday she would resign as leader of the oil-rich Canadian province following an expenses scandal that sank her party's popularity.

Redford became Alberta's first female premier when she won leadership of the ruling Progressive Conservative party in 2011. She came from behind in the polls to win a majority government in an election the following year.