With the Saskatchewan Party gearing up for its leadership race, one notable southwestern Saskatchewan politician isn't planning on running.

Cypress Hills MLA Doug Steele confirmed Tuesday afternoon he doesn't have any intention of throwing his hat into the ring for the leadership race.

"I feel at this point in time in my life I don't have the experience to fill those shoes," he said. "But within the party itself we have some extremely talented individuals and I'm sure we will come up with someone that can step up. I must say there are some big shoes to fill because our premier did us a wonderful justice as a person leading our party and our province for a number of years."

The leadership opening is a result of Swift Current MLA Brad Wall announcing his intention to retire as Saskatchewan Party leader and premier on August 10.

Steele believes Wall was influential in bringing the province out of the "dark ages" and putting Saskatchewan on national and international maps.

"I feel good about the way we (the Sask Party) are going because there are a lot of strong candidates and friends I've got to meet over the short time I've been an MLA," Steele said. "I'm sure there are some individuals that will strive to do as good of a job as Premier Wall."

The first-time MLA said there is a possibility of him running down the road but right now he wants to focus on working with whomever the new premier will be and keeping Saskatchewan strong.