Kindersley Mayor Rod Perkins thanked MLA Bill Boyd for more than two decades of public service, but said Boyd made the right decision by resigning after a string of controversies.
Premier Brad Wall booted Boyd from the Saskatchewan Party this week after the provincial conflict-of-interest commissioner concluded Boyd “inaccurately represented” the government during a trip to China.
READ MORE: NDP request Conflict of Interest investigation into Bill Boyd and GTH land dealings
“I’m glad that Mr. Boyd did resign,” Perkins told Global News on Thursday.
“From a constituency viewpoint, things have to move on. We want representation here, obviously.”
A byelection date for the Kindersley constituency hasn’t been set.
Boyd has also faced ongoing scrutiny for the government’s handling of the Global Transportation Hub (GTH) land deal.
On Thursday, a Saskatchewan government spokesperson disclosed three charges Boyd is facing under the Environmental Management and Protection Act and one count under the Wildlife Habitat Protection Act.
Boyd is scheduled to appear in Kindersley provincial court on Oct. 10.
READ MORE: Bill Boyd facing environment, wildlife protection charges
As a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, Boyd won his first election in 1991.
He served in several portfolios over the years and helped establish the Saskatchewan Party in 1997.
“I think it’s a long time to devote to public life. I don’t suspect it’s easy. You’re in the spotlight a lot and I’m not sure that the hours and the pay are that complimentary,” Perkins said.
Boyd’s resignation takes effect Friday, Sept. 1.
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