Trent Wotherspoon has announced that he is stepping down as interim leader of the Saskatchewan New Democrats so he can consider running for permanent leadership of the party.
Wotherspoon posted the following statement on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon:
Today I've shared with caucus that I will be stepping aside as interim Leader to give consideration to running for permanent Leader. I'm thankful for the support of colleagues to do so. This is not an easy decision as I've loved working with this strong team as interim Leader as we've reached out, built and fought back, amidst challenging times for our province.
The fact is there is so much at stake for people and our province. So much that's been built by and for many and that gives us strength is being threatened and taken away. This is a critical time for our party to fight back and to build.
Over the past few weeks since the close of an intense Legislative session with the SkParty's devastating budget, I've had had the opportunity to be fully engaged in the community, spend some time with family and reflect a bit. And I've received many, many calls of support and encouragement to run for Leader from across our province.
It's fair to say that I have fire in me to do all we can to fight for people and our province at this important time. I don't feel it's right for me to reach out and give this serious consideration while serving as the interim Leader, so I will step aside, and together with Stephanie and our family, we will take time to listen and fully consider taking this step.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your care, advice and support - it means so much to me. Thank you to caucus, staff, Saskatchewan NDP members, people across our province for your work and support. It has been an honour. Let's keep fighting and let's keep working to build our party and province together. It matters.
