Kevin Doherty shifts from potential premier to lower-profile cabinet post

Premier Brad Wall was adamant that former Finance Minister Kevin Doherty chose to leave that position in a media briefing following a cabinet shuffle announcement on Wednesday afternoon.

A question many were asking is why.

The provincial cabinet of 17 needed a shuffle asfive ministers had resigned heading into the election of a new SaskatchewanParty leader.

In the shuffle, Doherty was removed from the finance portfolio and will instead be responsible forthe Ministry of Advanced Education.

It's a noteworthy change for a politician who had risen quickly through the ranks and might have had leadership aspirations. Somepolitical observers thought Doherty would throw his hat in the ring.

But on Monday, it was made clear he would not be doing so.

When Doherty made the decision not to run for party leader, Wall said he indicated he would rather take a break from Finance, if asked to stay in cabinet.

"I still want him in the cabinet for the experience he provides," Wall told media. "He's done a lot of work over the last while."

These aren't jobs for life.- Kevin Doherty

Indeed, it's been a busy year for Doherty, who was the face of a budget the premier himself predicted would be unpopular, containing cuts to bothspending and jobs.

Wall reiterated this on Wednesday, saying the budget was the most difficult his government brought down. Doherty, who was first elected to the legislature in 2011, found himself defending it often.

Moving on or moving out

Doherty said he simply wanted to step down after nearly six years on the treasury board.

He said he spoke recentlyto Wall about how he could best support the government in the leadership transition.

"I was prepared to look at something else and perhaps even take a step back altogether out of cabinet," he said. "These aren't jobs for life."

I didn't see a path to victory. Those who are in the race have obviously mapped out their path to victory.- Kevin Doherty explains why he's not seeking to lead the Sask. Party

Instead, Doherty will return to familiar territory Minister of Advanced Education, the post he held before getting the boost to Finance in 2015.

Joseph Garcea, graduate supervisor with the department of political studies at the University of Saskatchewan, said this move was one of the most interesting points of the shuffle.

"I havea feeling that it has to do with a combination of fatigue setting in with the minister, but also I think it represents a change in trying to put a new face on the Department of Finance and having a new minister who can perhaps take less ownership and perhaps be less responsible for what was generally a highly criticized budget," Garcia said.

Wall said he is "very pleased" that Donna Harpauer is taking over Finance, adding that they were elected together in 1999.

"She is has this perfect balance of compassion and toughness," he said.

"She is thorough and determined and deliberative. She is the perfect finance minister for us right now."

Deciding against a leadership bid

Doherty was asked what the shift in cabinet roles signals for his career.

"I don't know what it says about my political future," he said.

He was clear, though, that his interest in running the party faded the more he thought about it. He said he felt like he was being talked into it.

"I didn't see a path to victory. Those who are in the race have obviously mapped out their path to victory," he said.

Doherty insisted that his potential leadership campaign was not "blocked by the budget."

He said he plans to be actively involved in one of the leadership campaigns throughout the process.