Regina set for a byelection as Kevin Doherty resigns seat

A potential test for urban voters is on the horizon as Regina prepares for a byelection.

Kevin Doherty, MLA for Regina Northeast, announced Friday he will be leaving politics to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

Doherty was elected in 2011 and then re-elected in 2016.

Regina Northeast is a traditional NDP seat which Doherty won by just 1008 votes.

Doherty’s biggest role was in finance, he delivered last year’s austerity budget, that saw an increase and expansion to the PST along with the end of the provincial bus company STC.

“I want to thank the residents of Regina Northeast for placing their confidence in me in the last two elections,” Doherty said in a release. “It has been an honour to serve as their MLA.”

Even though his time in politics was short, Doherty remains thankful for his experience in politics.

“I want to thank all of my caucus colleagues that I have served with over the past six years, including former Premier Wall and our new Premier Scott Moe,” Doherty said in a written statement. “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 was grateful for the time Doherty spent serving the province.

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

Doherty’s last day will be Mar. 12 with a byelection to be called within six months.