Trent Wotherspoon announces run for Sask. NDP leadership

Regina Rosemont MLA Trent Wotherspoon has announced he will seek permanent leadership of the Saskatchewan New Democrats.

"I'm motivated about what we can build in this province, and I'm not going to stand by and watch our province be dismantled," said Wotherspoon to media Wednesday morning.

Wotherspoon was the interim leader of the Opposition NDP until he resigned in June. He stepped down from the role to consider running for permanent leadership.

Former interim leader

When he originally took on the role as interim leader after the provincial election in 2016, Wotherspoon repeatedly said he had no intention of running for permanent leadership. Because of this, the Saskatchewan Party is accusing Wotherspoon of being untruthful.

"I'm motivated for all the right reasons to go at this. The Sask. Party can make whatever noise they want," he said.

"This is a Sask Party that's forgotten who they're working for, that's lied to Saskatchewan people on front after front, from our Crowns through to our finances."

Wotherspoon said his change in position is simply a change of circumstance.

"If I knew that my motivations and my intent would have been different a year and some ago, obviously I would have expressed myself in a very different way," he said.

"In life, sometimes you face different realities and one can change their mind."

Other candidate

Wotherspoon said he looks forward to continuing to build relationships and unite a progressive force to earn back the trust to serve the people of Saskatchewan.

"It's all about listening and addressing the realities that people are facing, and also speaking to the opportunities that exist and laying forward a progressive plan and vision to get there."

Saskatoon-Meewasin MLA Ryan Meili announced in May he would seek NDP leadership as well, his third bid for leadership after attempts in 2009 and 2013.

The NDP will choose their provincial leader next May.