Trevor
MALLARD
Shadow Leader of the House
12 December 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT

New Speaker must want the job

Labour Shadow Leader of the House, Trevor Mallard, has welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment that the Speaker to be appointed by the House next year must be acceptable across Parliament.

"However, on that basis Labour wants to see John Key drop his promotion of David Carter for that role.

“Mr Carter has indicated that he is not keen on the role. He has been in Parliament since 1994 but never shown interest in parliamentary matters and neither as a Minister under Jenny Shipley in 1998/99 nor under John Key has he shown any interest in involving opposition members in policy matters.

“Surely it would make better sense to find a candidate for Speaker who actually wants the job.

"It is not clear who the half dozen candidates for the role the Prime Minister referred to are, but given Tau Henare's withdrawal there remains one outstanding candidate - Maurice Williamson - who I am sure would get widespread support for the role.

“Labour looks forward to being consulted on who would make an appropriate Speaker.”

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