Newfoundland and Labrador's newly recruited commissioner of members' interests has been told to stop using his title until the legislature confirms his appointment, the house speaker says.

Paul Reynolds, who was also hand-picked by Premier Danny Williams to serve as the province's chief electoral officer, cannot formally begin his roles until the house of assembly approves his appointments.

Speaker Harvey Hodder said Paul Reynolds must have legislative approval to begin work as commissioner of members' interests.
(CBC)

Speaker Harvey Hodder said inaccurate advice from the Department of Justice led to Reynolds being given the wrong oath during his swearing-in ceremony, which left Reynolds with the impression that he could start work in his role, even without legislative approval on his post.

The Opposition Liberals called on the government Monday to replace Reynolds, complaining that Reynolds had signed his name to official correspondence to members of the house of assembly even though they have yet to vote on his appointment.

"I wish that the government house leader, or the premier, or someone would call Paul Reynolds and tell him that he is not supposed to be signing his name as the commissioner of members' interests," Liberal Leader Gerry Reid told the house.

"Mr. Reynolds is breaking the law by filling the position of commissioner of members' interests."

Reynolds was selected in April to succeed Chuck Furey as the province's chief electoral officer. The appointment comes with the extra responsibility of commissioner of members' interests, who is a watchdog over ethical issues involving MHAs, including making judgments on their private matters.

"If that individual is not entitled or not legally permitted to be acting in that position under the house rules ... then I suggest that individual be removed from that position this afternoon instead of sending letters out to all of us," Reid said.

During question period, Deputy Premier Tom Rideout insisted that Reynolds had not done anything wrong.

As acting chief electoral officer, Reynolds is entitled to work immediately on laying the groundwork for the scheduled Oct. 9 general election.

However, Premier Danny Williams later acknowledged that the Liberals' questions warranted a review.

Later Monday, Hodder issued a statement explaining how the wrong oath had been administered. Hodder said Reynolds will refrain from acting as commissioner of members' interests until the house of assembly approves his appointment.

The Liberals have criticized Reynolds's appointment as inappropriate patronage, noting that Reynolds is a former Progressive Conservative party president and had been active in a district association right up to his appointment.

The governing Tories are expected to use their majority to push the appointment through the house, likely on Tuesday night.