The Saskatchewan NDP has had a difficult night in the 2011 provincial election.
The party, which had 20 seats at dissolution, was only leading or victorious in 9 seats as of 9:45 pm Central time on election night.
Among the many prominent NDP incumbents who lost their seats is the party’s leader, Dwain Lingenfelter, who lost to Saskatchewan Party challenger Russ Marchuk in the riding of Regina Douglas Park. He resigned the party’s leadership.
In his concession speech, he said of the NDP’s party’s performance, “It was my fault, not yours. (…) I say that I am sorry. We will do better.”
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The party’s deputy leader, Deb Higgins, also lost her seat to the Saskatchewan Party in Moose Jaw Wakamow.
Saskatchewan’s urban ridings weren’t as kind to New Democrats as they were in the past. In Regina Dewdney, NDP incumbent and Opposition House Leader Kevin Yates lost to Saskatchewan Party candidate and ex-CFL player Gene Makowsky. Yates has had a seat in the legislature since 1999.
In Regina Walsh Acres, Sandra Morin, a former Minister of Culture, Youth and Recreation, lost to Saskatchewan Party challenger Warren Steinley, a researcher in the government caucus office.
Regina Northeast, where there was no incumbent, was picked up by the Saskatchewan Party’s Kevin Doherty.
The NDP also lost several Saskatoon ridings. Frank Quennell, a former NDP minister of Justice and Minister Responsible for Information Technology, lost to Saskatchewan Party candidate Roger Parent in Saskatoon Meewasin.
In Saskatoon Eastview, Judy Junor, the NDP critic for Health and for Seniors, was defeated by Saskatchewan Party candidate Corey Tochor.
The Saskatchewan Party also took the riding of The Battlefords from former Opposition House Leader and Interim leader Len Taylor.
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