Ken Shirley challenges Wilson for Speaker

Wednesday 15 Dec 2004

Ken Shirley - Press Releases - Other

ACT Whip Ken Shirley today said he will challenge Margaret Wilson for the Speakership.

"I am dismayed but not surprised by the Labour Government's arrogance at assuming that it has the right to appoint Parliament's next Speaker," Mr Shirley said.

"Parliament's standing orders are quite clear that it is the prerogative of the House of Representatives to elect their Speaker.

"The Government's lack of consultation on this matter is an affront to the institution of Parliament. Important positions such as Speaker should not be used to accommodate the Government's embarrassments. Ms Wilson is the Government's most unpopular minister.

"The most qualified in the Government ranks would clearly be Ross Robertson who has proven to be a diligent, competent and impartial chairman of committees.

"I challenged Jonathan Hunt after the 2002 election for the speakership as a matter of constitutional principle and Margaret Wilson will not command the cross-party support that Mr Hunt enjoyed.

"I will be calling on other parties for their support," Mr Shirley said.

ENDS

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