NDP picks Wotherspoon as interim leader

Saskatchewan’s 10-member NDP caucus has unanimously chosen Regina Rosemont MLA Trent Wotherspoon to be the leader of the official Opposition within the Legislative Assembly.

“The people have spoken and they construct the house and they constructed our caucus and we have a responsibility on that front,” Wotherspoon said. “It’s a humble honour to accept the caucus has asked for me to provide, in providing leadership for the official Opposition.”

Wotherspoon took his name out of the running to be permanent leader of the party Friday, saying such a position isn’t right for him and his family.

A vote by the party’s provincial council on who will be interim leader will be made April 23. The council, made up of members from constituency associations, party committees and its executive, has more than 100 members.

One of those members is ReginaPasqua MP Erin Weir. He agreed the decision by caucus to announce Wotherspoon as its leader ahead of next week’s council meeting forces the hand of those voting for an interim leader.

“I think it does, in the sense that provincial council would select an interim leader from caucus,” he said. “For caucus to come out and unanimously indicate Trent Wotherspoon as the interim leader suggests no other members of caucus are interested in the job. So, I think given those facts, provincial council will defer.”

The provincial council could select an interim leader who doesn’t currently hold a seat in the legislature, but Weir said he thinks the goal is to select someone who could be the leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly.

Wotherspoon said caucus’s vote to have him as leader was made Tuesday because there was a feeling there was work to start.

“There is a lot of work ahead of us and we need to get to work on this front. It was the unanimous wish of caucus to proceed in this fashion.”

Some party members raised concern caucus’ vote has led to a de facto selection of Wotherspoon ahead of the council’s vote, but Wotherspoon said caucus will earnestly engage the party on the April 23.

“The decision that was made by caucus need not usurp responsibility of council. I’ll be there as a party member at council as well, willing to serve if asked by council as well.”

The government is expected to return to the Legislative Assembly sometime in early May, with the budget coming down June 1.

Premier Brad Wall congratulated Wotherspoon, adding he hopes the NDP distances itself from the Leap Manifesto.

Federal New Democrats voted in favour of exploring the merits of the manifesto, which advocates for an end to the use of fossil fuels and a moratorium on new infrastructure problems.

Wotherspoon, taking the same stance as Alberta NDP Premier Rachel Notley, said Friday the NDP caucus is united against that aspect of the manifesto.