An Independent MHA is squashing any speculation that he may run for Speaker of the House of Assembly following last week’s cabinet shuffle.

Paul Lane is reiterating what he said following the election – on a personal level he’d love to be the Speaker, however doing so would give up his ability to vote and speak publicly on matters that could impact his district.

Lane says the move would give the Liberal government a majority in the House and therefore the ability to do as they please from a legislative and budgetary point of view.

He says he cannot in good conscience allow that to happen as he campaigned in the last election on holding government’s feet to the fire on issues impacting his district of Mount Pearl-Southlands and the province as a whole – a commitment he intends on keeping.

Lane says he is not for sale and will not be muzzled.

The Independent member says while no one from government has reached out to him yet, should he receive the call he will decline like last time.

Lane also took time to congratulate former Speaker, Perry Trimper as well as Bernard Davis and Chris Mitchelmore on their new appointments.