Opposition Leader John Hogan is wondering why external advisor Steve Outhouse is speaking on behalf of the Premier’s Office when Premier Tony Wakeham previously indicated that Outhouse will have no say in policy decisions.

Outhouse responded yesterday to Opposition tourism critic Bettina Ford who was concerned about comments made by Barbour long before she was elected and appointed to cabinet.

In a TikTok video, now deleted but shared on other social media sites, Barbour made critical statements about NL tourism and remarked that NL culture was being “washed out.”

Outhouse, who was involved in the PC election campaign, responded to Opposition concerns on behalf of the Premier’s Office.

Hogan says given Outhouse’s “history of social conservatism and involvement with right wing groups” he’s wondering if Outhouse’s role has changed. He’s written the premier seeking clarity on the involvement of “high paid external advisors” acting as a spokesperson for government.