Deputy Speaker steps aside

Photo: The Canadian Press

The former Speaker of British Columbia's legislature who was in charge when it's alleged two senior officials filed inappropriate expenses has stepped down from her duties.

The B.C. Liberals say Linda Reid is giving up her position as assistant deputy Speaker and will be replaced by caucus member Joan Isaacs.

Speaker Darryl Plecas released a report last month that alleged the clerk of the house, Craig James, and its sergeant-at-arms, Gary Lenz, overspent on foreign trips and made inappropriate expense claims.

Both men have been suspended while an RCMP investigation continues.

They have denied the allegations and countered the claims in the report by Plecas.

After the report was released, New Democrat Gary Begg said Reid should explain how expenses were handled.

Reid has not commented, but in a statement she said she will co-operate with any investigations.

The NDP government said in its speech from the throne Tuesday that it will act to restore public trust in the legislature by implementing reforms.