Former Saskatchewan cabinet minister Kevin Doherty resigns seat in legislature

The government must call a byelection within six months to replace him (Pixabay photo)

REGINA — Former Saskatchewan cabinet minister Kevin Doherty says he will resign his seat in the legislature effective March 12.

Doherty, the member for Regina Northeast, says he wants to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

Last October, Doherty stepped down as advanced education minister citing family issues.

That decision came two months after he was shuffled into the post from the finance ministry after years of service in the portfolio.

Doherty was first elected in 2011, re-elected in 2016 and also served as minister of parks, culture and sport.

The government must call a byelection within six months to replace him.

“I want to thank the residents of Regina Northeast for placing their confidence in me,” Doherty said Friday in a release.

“Even though I am leaving political life, I will continue to be a strong supporter of Premier Moe and our Saskatchewan Party government.”

Premier Scott Moe thanked Doherty for his service to the province.

“Kevin has been a tremendous caucus and cabinet colleague and I will miss working with him,” Moe said.

“Kevin showed tremendous resolve and leadership as finance minister in guiding last year’s budget process in which our government made some difficult but necessary decisions to reduce our dependence on resource revenue.”

Last year, Doherty considered a leadership run to replace former premier Brad Wall but decided to back Moe in the race.