Wotherspoon resigns as NDP leader to consider permanent run

Saskatchewan’s NDP has to look for a new interim leader.

Trent Wotherspoon resigned from the role Tuesday to consider running for the job permanently, although he insisted he has made no firm decision.

“I’ve had certainly the urging of many across the province, of many colleagues, to take a look at this,” Wotherspoon told reporters at the Legislature Tuesday.

“If I’m going to reach out and if I’m going to consider this, I think it is important I step away which is why I’m doing this.”

Wotherspoon was appointed interim leader in April 2016 after Cam Broten lost his seat in the legislature.

But since then Wotherspoon has consistently said he wasn’t interested in taking on the position permanently.

Under NDP rules the interim leader can run for the leadership, although to many it’s seen as an unfair advantage.

Wotherspoon has been the Regina Rosemont MLA since 2007 and ran unsuccessfully for the leadership once before in 2013.

The NDP will hold its leadership convention in May 2018.

Ryan Meili, MLA for Saskatoon-Meewasin, is the only official entry to the race so far.

Meili ran against Wotherspoon in 2013, losing to Cam Broten. He also mounted an unsuccessful attempt in 2009.

There is no word yet on who will replace Wotherspoon as interim leader.