WALL CALLS IT QUITS
After nearly 10 years at the helm, Premier Brad Wall announced Thursday that he will be stepping down as premier and retiring from politics.
There is a strong argument to be made that Premier Brad Wall is irreplaceable.
He has maintained the rare political ability to stay popular for the majority of his career, but with him stepping down as premier the question is already being asked: Who will try to replace the irreplaceable premier?
POTENTIAL EARLY FRONT-RUNNERS
Two names stick out right away to many political watchers and party insiders: Jim Reiter, the minister of health and Kevin Doherty, the minister of finance.
If the party is looking for a contrast to the folksy charm of Wall, Doherty is an option. He is a nononsense business type who could win support based on his strong private sector credentials and perceived ability to be a steady hand through rocky economic times.
However, he has also had to eat much of the dirt tied to the recent “bad news” budget he tabled this March, which is causing some speculation Doherty may look to move back into the private sector before considering the job of premier.
Reiter may take a bit longer to get going than Doherty, but he is well-respected in the Saskatchewan Party caucus, and that support can’t be discounted. The MLA for Rosetown-Elrose also has strong rural credentials, and that could translate into an ability to sign up new members, which can turn into leadership votes.
There is also a folksy charm about Reiter, although it’s not quite on the same level as Wall’s.
Ken Cheveldayoff is seen by some as an early favourite simply because of the massive number of contacts he has at his disposable. Political insiders say Cheveldayoff, who is currently the minister of parks, culture and sport, has long eyed becoming leader and prepared accordingly. To that end, he has contacts across the province, a giant email list and what is rumoured to be a sizable war chest.
LIKELY RUNNING
Perhaps no current MLA knows their way around legislative procedure more than Jeremy Harrison. The current economy minister once served as a Conservative MP under Stephen Harper and is a close friend of current Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer. Not many of those credentials are likely to be appealing to many outside of rural Saskatchewan, but Harrison is expected to run for leadership and will hope to win by portraying himself in the same friendly mould of Scheer.
Gord Wyant, currently the justice minister and attorney general, is also expected to run. Many within the party contend nobody else within the party had the aggressive but steady hand needed to pass certain controversial pieces of legislation, such as those surrounding human rights.
MAYBE RUNNING
If the party truly wants a fresh voice and perspective, Tina Beaudry-Mellor fits the mould. For starters, she’s not a male. She also has quickly gained name recognition as social services minister, despite only being elected a little over a year ago. Working against her will be her lack of experience.
Some are not even sure if Dustin Duncan will run to be an MLA again, but his reputation as a dynamic, young, intelligent MLA will surely mean some party members will at least try to convince the current energy minister to replace Wall. His quick wit and intelligence perhaps make him the closest MLA to “Wall 2.0”, although some question his ability to lead.
DARK HORSE
Alanna Koch’s name has floated around rumour mills, but nobody is entirely sure whether or not the province’s top civil servant would be interested in becoming an MLA and leader of a political party. Surely party brass would like to see some women in the race, and that could lead to Koch being encouraged.
She is a longtime ally of Wall and his inner political circle, has spent time recently shoring up her public image with the civil service and has a longtime connection to former deputy premier Don McMorris, who remains a powerful force within the Sask. Party. She also has rural credentials.