Amid internal debate about the future direction of the NDP, Premier Lorne Calvert has announced changes to his cabinet.

On Friday, Regina Elphinstone-Centre MLA Warren McCall was sworn in as minister of corrections and public safety.

He replaces Regina Dewdney's Kevin Yates, who has been in cabinet since February.

McCall, who was 28 when he was first elected in 2001, had previously worked for NDP MP Lorne Nystrom.

Yates will continue as an MLA and as the deputy government house leader, Calvert said. 

Calvert also said Yates is leaving "due to personal circumstances," although he wouldn't say what those were.

Saskatchewan Party MLA Dan D'Autremont said Yates wasn't happy with Calvert's leadership.

"We have received calls from various people within a very leaky NDP ship that have indicated to us that Mr. Yates was questioning the premier's leadership ability, his competence, and was suggesting other alternatives," D'Autremont said.

When Calvert was asked by reporters whether Yates had expressed any dissatisfaction with his leadership, Calvert said that had never been expressed directly.

However, Calvert did say there had been discussions internally about the direction the NDP should take in the wake of the Weyburn byelection.

The NDP finished third in that June election, a surprise in a constituency that had once been home to former Saskatchewan premier Tommy Douglas.

Calvert also thanked Yates for his work in his portfolios, saying he was instrumental in co-ordinating flood assistance and in dealing with forest fires earlier in the year.

It's expected Calvert will call a general election next year.

Yates didn't attend the swearing-in ceremony at Government House and he wasn't available for comment on Friday.