Ryan Bater has submitted his resignation as leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party effective immediately.
In a letter dated January 31, 2012, Bater said the decision did not come lightly and was made after much thought and reflection.
“Over the past few months I have taken the time to reflect on what it will take to achieve what is the only meaningful benchmark of success for a political party, namely a presence in the Legislature,” wrote Bater.
“After much soul searching, I have come to the realization that I can no longer make the personal sacrifices necessary to lead this effort.”
“The opportunity to publicly stand up for what one believes in and participate in our democratic process is truly the honour of a lifetime.”
In a conversation with Global Saskatoon, Bater said he is taking time to decide his future plans and will not be politically active in the near future.
Bater became leader of the party on February 21, 2009 after being the only person to submit a nomination to replace David Karwacki.
In the last provincial election, Bater came in third in The Battlefords riding, gathering 11.8 per cent of the vote, slightly less than the 13.6 per cent he garnered in the 2007 provincial election.
The Liberals have not held a seat in the Legislature since 2003 and ran only nine candidates in the 2011 election.
Bater’s resignation comes as the party announced Tuesday the first of a series of open meetings to chart the future course of the party’s future in Saskatchewan.
The first of those meetings takes place February 11th in Saskatoon.
There is no word yet from the party when a new leader will be elected to replace Bater.
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