Despite Ryan Meili leadership speculation, Sask. NDP says no decision until 2018

While the election of Ryan Meili prompted leadership speculation on Friday, the Saskatchewan NDP says it won't decide who will be its new leader until 2018.

Meilibecame the MLA-elect for SaskatoonMeewasinThursday night, defeating the Saskatchewan Party's BrentPennerand three other candidatesin abyelection.

• Ryan Meili defeats Brent Penner in Saskatoon Meewasin byelection
• Saskatoon MLA Roger Parent, 63, dies in hospital

The seat had been empty since the death of Saskatchewan Party MLA Roger Parenton Nov. 30, 2016.

Speaking after Penner's loss, Premier Brad Wall said repeatedly thatMeiliwould probably be the NDP's next leader.

"Considering the tightness in this particular constituency, and the fact that they were running their next leader, likely, this was a very successful campaign, not in the way as we would want it," said Wall.

No new leader until next year

Interim NDP Leader TrentWotherspoontold reporters on Friday that the party hasdecided not to elect its new leader until May2018.

"We're still more than a year away from that actual day so there's a fair amount of time," he said.

History will record it for what it will be.- Saskatchewan NDP Interim Leader Trent Wotherspoon

"So what I think you're going to see is a very active time within our party on many fronts, and certainly the leadership process will be an important part of that."

Former NDP leader Cam Broten stepped down last April after losing his seat in the 2016 provincial election.

Wotherspoonsaid Meili's victory was a big win for his party, which will now hold11 seats to the Saskatchewan Party's 49. DonMcMorrissits as an independent.

Wotherspoon would not say what roleMeiliwill take in the shadow cabinet, adding that he planned to make a decision by Monday.

Hesaid Thursday's winsignalleda shift for the party, but did not go as far as describing it as a turning point.

"History will record it for what it will be," the interim leader said.

"Right now, they've elected an MLA, a very strong MLA, and sent a very strong message. We're not going to take anything for granted."

Meiliyet to decide on leadership bid

Unofficial results from Elections Saskatchewan showMeiliwon the byelection with 54.2 per cent of the vote, compared to 39.9 per cent forPenner.

Meilisaid it was "flattering" that Wall had suggested he would likely be the next leader of the NDP.

"That's nice to hear that he sees me bringing leadership," he said.

"And I certainly do intend in the Legislature to be part of that team with Trent and the rest of the caucus in bringing some leadership to the discussions that are important to Saskatchewan people."

He said he has yet to decide whether to run for the leadership, saying he is more focused on learning how to work in the Legislature.

"There will be lots of time to reflect on whether leadership is the right choice."

• Sask. government introduces law to define 'privatize'

Meiliexpected the first issue he would tackle as a new member of the NDP caucus would be Bill 40, the government's new law to define the word "privatize" with respect to Crown corporations.

Meiliwill be sworn in before thespring sitting gets underway at the Legislature on Monday.