'Won't be disheartened': NDP leader issues statement on election results

Saskatchewan New Democrats are picking up the pieces after failing to make big gains in the 2016 election.

“The overall results of this election are disappointing,” NDP leader Cam Broten said in a statement Tuesday.  

“But New Democrats won’t be disheartened for long.”

Broten, an incumbent MLA, lost his seat in the Saskatoon Westview riding to Sask. Party newcomer David Buckingham by 232 votes.

There’s no word yet on whether Broten will step down as leader – a position that can be held without a seat in the legislature.

“Now I’m going to spend a couple of days with my family, speak with my colleagues and consider how we move forward,” the statement reads.  

The NDP nabbed 10 seats, one more than 2011, in a reshaped legislature that now includes three additional constituencies.

The Sask. Party holds the other 51 seats, ushering in a third consecutive majority government.

Broten congratulated Wall in his statement Tuesday.

He said he’s proud of the NDP team and the overall increase of female representation in the Saskatchewan legislature.