The next premier of Saskatchewan is Scott Moe.
The Rosthern-Shellbrook MLA was declared the winner of the Sask Party leadership contest at the party’s convention in Saskatoon. Moe won on a final-ballot showdown against former deputy minister to the Premier, Alanna Koch, with 8075 votes, or 53.87 per cent, in the fifth round of counting.
Koch had held a slight lead over Moe for the first three ballots. But after Gord Wyant was eliminated on the third ballot, it was Moe who took the lead on the fourth ballot with 5,980 votes to 5,591 for Koch, with Ken Cheveldayoff eliminated in third place with 4844.
Tina Beaudry-Mellor placed a distant fifth and Rob Clarke, who had already withdrawn, finished last.
"Well, here we are," were Moe's first words at the podium in his victory speech.
He thanked Premier Brad Wall and all those who sent in their ballots. "Our party today is as strong as its ever been and it will remain strong and committed to the strongest Saskatchewan."
The new leader also touted Saskatchewan Party policies and achievements. He pledged to continue to create jobs, and reiterated his opposition to the Carbon Tax, saying "Justin Trudeau, if you're wondering how far I will go, just watch me."
Moe, who has previously served in cabinet with Environment and Advanced Education, among others, takes over the leadership of the Sask Party right away; the expectation is he will be sworn in as premier in a matter of days.
The announcement capped a long and active leadership contest that began last August with the announcement that Premier Brad Wall would be stepping down. Voting took place by mail-in ballots and by votes cast by party members at the convention itself, right up to the final voting cutoff of 4 p.m. About 27,000 people were eligible to cast ballots.
The day was highlighted by the final speeches by the five leadership candidates, as well as the emotional farewell speech by Wall, who gave a partisan speech that hammered the NDP and laid out the choice the voters faced in 2020.
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued the following statement on the selection of the next premier of Saskatchewan:
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate Scott Moe on his successful bid for the leadership of the Saskatchewan Party.
"I look forward to working closely with Mr. Moe to continue to deliver real results on the issues that matter to the people of Saskatchewan and to all Canadians, including growing our agricultural industry and promoting our natural resources to the world.
"I also thank Brad Wall for his contributions to the province and the country during his time as Premier, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours."
