Former cabinet minister John Nilson chosen as Sask. NDP interim leader

New Democrats in Saskatchewan have chosen a former provincial cabinet minister to be their interim leader.

The party's provincial council and legislature members selected John Nilson today in Regina for the acting leader's job.

Former leader Dwain Lingenfelter and deputy leader Deb Higgins failed to win re-election on November 7 when the Saskatchewan Party won a massive majority.

Mr. Nilson says there are plans for a provincial council meeting in February or March which will set out a process for choosing a permanent leader, including a date for a leadership convention.

Mr. Nilson represents Regina Lakeview in the Saskatchewan legislature, and has served as a cabinet minister in a number of portfolios including justice, environment and health.

He says he will not be seeking the job as permanent NDP leader.