Sue Hickey has threatened to leave the Liberal party after a second snub

The Hodgman government is on the brink after a remarkable threat from Speaker Sue Hickey

Sue Hickey speaks about the latest Liberal cabinet reshuffle and her position within the Liberal party. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

SPEAKER Sue Hickey says she is considering quitting the Liberal party after being snubbed of a cabinet position for a second time.

A cabinet reshuffle today, which stripped Michael Ferguson of the health ministry and saw Jacqui Petrsuma step down from her portfolio, has angered the outspoken member for Clark.

“This is the second time I’ve been publicly snubbed by the Premier and the Liberal Government so I’m considering my place in the party,” she said.

“I believe that the Liberals are making a statement that they don’t necessarily want me in government and I need to consider in the interest of the economy and the stability of the state whether or not I’m better off as an independent.”

Ms Hickey said her consideration to leave the party ignited after she was left in the dark over the Premier’s cabinet reshuffle.

“It hit me today because I didn’t know anything about this reshuffle until members of the media started ringing me, in which case I called the Premier who told me what was happening,” she said.

“I just sort of thought, well, this is a pretty serious statement made by the government. I really do think politics is not so much about ability but pure politics.

“I want to see some KPI’s around performance.”

Asked why Ms Hickey has maintained her position in the party to date, despite holding government to account on a number of issues including housing, Ms Hickey said she was “a true blue Liberal”.

WILKIE STEPS IN ON HEALTH CRISIS

‘WE WERE FREAKING OUT’: RESIDENTS ROCKED BY NEW TOWN BLAZE

“I stood as a Liberal because I believe in a lot of their principles but I think the party has been captured far too ‘right’ and I was hoping to show the Liberals are more than just a one-dimensional party.”

“I’m still kind of annoyed that I am a Liberal and I seem to be pushed to the side every single time.”

Ms Hickey said her stance on health, homelessness and cost of living had seen her attract popularity within the community but neglect within her political walls.

“In my heart of hearts I’m still a Liberal but it’s a a matter of whether or not I’m just too much of a pain in the arse for them,” she said.

“I’m going to consider whether or not I’m better off personally as an Independent and holding the balance of power, or whether they have a serious chat with about what we can do to make things a lot better in government.

[e-mail]