He led one of the most corrupt governments in modern Canadian history. Several members of his Cabinet were sentenced to prison sentences due to a kickback scandal that operated during Devines' second term from 1987-1991 . Due to these problems the Saskatchewan Progressive Conservative party was disbanded after his administration. Many former members and supporters now support the Saskatchewan Party

In 2004, Devine announced his intention to return to politics and run for the federal Conservative Party of Canada but the party ruled he was an undesirable candidate and denied him the right to seek a nomination.