Vuntut Gwitchin MLA Debra-Leigh Reti has been named interim leader of the Yukon Liberal Party after leader Mike Pemberton resigned, effective immediately.
The party executive appointed Reti on Jan. 21 to replace Pemberton, ahead of the party’s annual general meeting on Jan. 22.
“Change moments like this are an opportunity to come together, stay focused on our values, and keep moving forward,” party president Jason Cunning said in the release.
Cunning thanked Pemberton for his service and extended thanks to Reti for stepping up to lead the party’s next chapter.
Reti was the only Liberal member elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in the 2025 elections. During a ceremony held in the legislative assembly chambers on the morning of Nov. 19, 2025, Reti was officially sworn in as MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin.
Pemberton served as Liberal leader since June 19, 2025. He was sworn in as premier shortly after his election.
Pemberton was elected by party members to replace former premier Ranj Pillai, after Pillai announced his pending resignation as leader. The two contenders in that Liberal leadership contest — Pemberton and Doris Bill — came within 13 votes of each other.
Pemberton led the Liberals into the 2025 elections but never gained a seat in the House. He got fewer votes than his two rivals for Whitehorse West MLA when ballots were counted on the territorial polling day of Nov. 3, 2025.
None of the Liberal cabinet ministers who served last term ran for re-election, a move the party president doesn’t blame on Pemberton’s election as party leader. Cunning previously told the News the ministers’ intentions were known by party insiders before the leadership convention.
The party’s annual general meeting will go ahead as planned on Jan. 22. It will address constitutional amendments and financial reporting. A new executive will be elected, per the release.
In the release, the party stayed committed to “widening the tent” in partnership with First Nations and communities across the territory.
“Looking ahead, the Yukon Liberal Party will build on a foundation of values that resonate with Yukoners during a time of growing uncertainty and complex global relations,” reads the release.
“Yukoners are seeking stability, connection, and leadership that is respectful, thoughtful, and grounded.”
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com