The minister responsible for the Consumer Advocate’s office says replacing Dennis Browne had nothing to do with politics.

Browne’s departure is among a number of high profile position changes currently underway. Dr. Pat Parfrey was recently removed as CEO of the province’s health authority.

Browne, who had been in the position for about ten years, was outspoken on many topics including soaring power bills this winter.

Adrienne Ding will serve in the position on an interim basis.

Ding is a partner at O’Dea Earle with a practice focused on labour and employment law, civil litigation and personal injury.

She is seen as PC-friendly, but Justice and Public Safety Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer expects that there will be a competition for the post through the Independent Appointments Commission.

“When we make decisions like this, it is to make sure that we have the person that is best suited according to merit. The new appointment would be based on merit only,” said Conway-Ottenheimer.