20 Dec 2012

Peters criticises High Commissioner appointment

6:52 am on 20 December 2012

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has criticised the appointment of Parliament's Speaker Lockwood Smith as the next High Commissioner to the UK.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that Dr Smith will be posted to London as High Commissioner and is likely to take up his position in March next year.

Mr Peters says this should be the last time someone is appointed Speaker with the promise of being given a plum diplomatic post.

"That is not the way the speaker's role should have been dealt with by the Prime Minister."

The Labour Party's shadow leader of the House, Trevor Mallard, supports the appointment saying Dr Smith is well suited to the role.