Sask. NDP’s Sarauer not ruling out leadership run

Nicole Sarauer is currently the deputy leader of the Saskatchewan NDP and some have her high on their list of potential candidates for the newly vacated leadership seat.

When asked about it on Wednesday, Sarauer couldn’t say one way or the other.

“I’m having really important conversations with my family and I haven’t made a decision at this time,” Sarauer said.

She said she’s going to make a decision sooner rather than later. Sarauer also said she’d like to see the leadership race and decision happen sooner.

“We’ve got a lot of really important work to do. We’re going to continue doing that work in the meantime but I know everyone’s pretty eager to have this done much quicker than it has in the past,” said Sarauer.

The NDP’s council will make decisions on rules in the race and when it will be held. Sarauer said they’ll have a meeting on the weekend and so there will be a better picture next week of how things will play out.

Trent Wotherspoon moved quickly to take his name out of contention for the leadership. The day after Ryan Meili announced he would be resigning as leader, Wotherspoon tweeted to say he wouldn’t be entering the race.

“I know what serving as leader takes as a family. I’m not prepared to be away and sacrifice time like that at this stage of William’s life and our family,” tweeted Wotherspoon, naming his seven-year-old son.

William is seven and I place a larger priority being present in his life for the next several years, coaching his hockey, quick outdoor adventures and being there to hear his stories at the end of each day.

These years will race by. And you don’t get them back. #skpoli

— Trent Wotherspoon (@WotherspoonT) February 19, 2022

Wotherspoon said he’s still committed to and motivated in his work as an MLA.

Current Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark has also taken himself out of the running, tweeting he is “fully focused on leading Saskatoon right now in this crucial time of recovery and growth.”

I thank Ryan Meili for his hard work and service to the province
To be clear I don’t want the job
I am fully focused on leading Saskatoon right now in this crucial time of recovery and growth
As Mayor of the largest city in the province, I know that this race is very important

— charlieclarkyxe (@charlieclarkyxe) February 21, 2022

Clark did say he thinks the race is very important, and cited a need for provincial leaders who understand cities, but also ones who will bring the province together.

The first-time MLA for Saskatoon Centre, Betty Nippi-Albright, initially said she was considering a run for the leadership, but has decided against it.

I am humbled to have received support from so many folks across this province and country.

At this moment in time – I do not believe the political establishment is ready to have a vocal First Nation woman lead and become Premier of Saskatchewan.https://t.co/wATlkKJPPU#skpoli

— Betty Nippi-Albright (@BettyNippi) February 24, 2022