Longtime Sask. Party MLA Wayne Elhard won't seek re-election

Longtime Cypress Hills MLA Wayne Elhard says he won't be seeking re-election.

A longtime Saskatchewan Party member says he won't be seeking re-election and plans to pursue other business opportunities.

Wayne Elhard represents Cypress Hills, one of the largest rural ridings in the province.

Premier Brad Wall says Elhard has been a leader in the party caucus and calls him irreplaceable.

Elhard was the first person elected under the party's banner in a 1999 byelection.

He was re-elected later that year in a general election and then again in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Elhard says it's been a pleasure to serve on behalf of his constituents.