The Saskatchewan Party has won a majority in the province's election, handing the New Democrats their first defeat since coming into power in 1991.

The party won 37 seats, the NDP 21 and the Liberals none. Thirty seats were required for a majority.

Brad Wall, the 41-year-old leader of the Saskatchewan Party, will now replace NDP Leader Lorne Calvert as premier.

"And now for something completely different!'' Wall promised his supporters, in a nod to the famous British comedy troupe "Monty Python's Flying Circus."

"Thank you for the confidence you've placed in me. I'm going to work very hard not to let you down."

Calvert, who won his seat and will now become the Official Opposition leader, conceded that it was time for a new government.

"The people of our province have spoken," said Calvert. "They have said it is time for change, and in the democratic process, the people are always right."

Wall's party was formed a decade ago by four Progressive Conservatives and four Liberals, when it became clear that opposition parties would have to unite in order to beat the NDP.

The party now includes former Tories, members of the old Reform Party and right-wing Liberals. It dominates in rural Saskatchewan, but established a beachhead in Saskatoon in 2003.

Leading up to Wednesday's vote, some published polls put the centre-left NDP as much as 20 percentage points behind the centre-right Saskatchewan Party in popular support.

Calvert had told reporters Tuesday that he recognized the momentum for change, but hoped it was for the right reason.

"It's been our challenge in the campaign to point out that change just for the sake of change brings with it a fair risk," Calvert, 54, said.

In its advertising, the NDP had tried to paint the Saskatchewan Party as a right-wing wolf in sheep's clothing -- an image it put to literal use, thanks to clever digital effects.

The New Democrats have lost despite Saskatchewan enjoying a strong economy that has rarely been better.

While energy has helped make Alberta an economic superstar, Saskatchewan is enjoying an energy boom of its own. Prices for other non-renewable resources like potash and uranium are solid, and even grain and oilseed farmers are enjoying prices not seen in decades.

More people moved into Saskatchewan in 2006-2007 than left -- the first time that's happened in almost a quarter-century.