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Former Conservative MP Rob Clarke has dropped out of the Saskatchewan Party’s leadership race.

In a news release issued Wednesday morning, Clarke said he was leaving the race to avoid “a damaging vote-splitting scenario that could pave the way for a majority NDP government.”

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Clarke entered the leadership race on Nov. 15. He has now thrown his support behind Saskatoon Willowgrove MLA Ken Cheveldayoff, who he called the Sask. Party’s best hope for defeating the NDP in the 2020 election.

“I have always served our province passionately and selflessly, and this situation is no different. Ken is the right person for the job ahead,” Clarke said in a media release.

Clarke is a member of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and a former RCMP officer who was elected to represent Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River in 2008 before losing the federal seat two years ago.

Clarke said he will continue advocating for reform within the Sask. Party.