Economy Minister Bill Boyd says he has asked to leave cabinet when it is shuffled in a few weeks.

“I have been doing this for a long time, so I think it’s time for me to step back in order for others to have a chance to serve in cabinet,” Boyd said in a news release Friday.

“Our government is fortunate to have a large and talented caucus, including many new members who were elected for the first time earlier this year, so this is a great opportunity for renewal.”

Boyd said he looks forward to continuing to serve the people of Kindersley constituency as their MLA. He was first elected in 1991 and has served in every cabinet since the Saskatchewan Party took power in 2007.

Premier Brad Wall said it’s difficult to lose one of his most experienced cabinet ministers, but he respects Boyd’s decision.

“Bill Boyd has been a key member of cabinet since our very first day in government and I will miss his strong leadership at the cabinet table,” Wall said.

“That said, I understand his desire to move to a different role in our government at this stage in his political career. I know he will continue to provide strong leadership within the government caucus as he has at the cabinet table for many years.”

Boyd had come under fire earlier this year because of a government land deal involving the Regina bypass. There were also calls for his resignation over the government’s response in the wake of several fires linked to smart meters installed by SaskPower.

NDP Leader Trent Wotherspoon said the “scandal-plagued” minister should have been kicked out of cabinet a long time ago.

“The fact that, even today, the Premier and the rest of the Sask. Party caucus still stand by Mr. Boyd and his record means that this scandal and waste lays at their feet still,” Wotherspoon said.

“We will continue to ask tough unanswered questions about the waste and scandal that Mr. Boyd and the Sask. Party have brought upon the people of Saskatchewan, because sadly it's Saskatchewan people that are being forced to pay the price.”

Environment Minister Herb Cox has also asked to leave cabinet later this month as he undergoes stem cell treatment for cancer.