Tom Rideout announced Monday that he is leaving politics. (CBC)

Newfoundland and Labrador MHA Tom Rideout's exit from politics won't hurt Premier Danny Williams's government, no matter what the reason behind the resignation, a political scientist has said.

Rideout quit Williams's cabinet in May, after a public spat with the premier and other cabinet ministers over spending in his Baie Verte-Springdale district.

Rideout said at the time that the premier's office had asked him to rescind a government spending announcement concerning $3.5 million worth of roadwork in his district. By contrast, Williams and several government ministers said Rideout had tried to intimidate government officials by demanding extra spending in his district. His district had originally been allotted only $2.5 million.

On Monday, Rideout announced he's leaving the legislature altogether.

Michael Temelini, political scientist at Memorial University, said Wednesday the roadwork dispute and Rideout's exit from politics, could be seen from two points of view.

"Its not every day that such a senior cabinet minister, first of all quits [cabinet], and second of all, quits politics, so everyone is asking, 'why did he leave?'" Temelini said.

"People who don't like Danny Williams or his government are going to say, 'here's proof positive of this trend we're seeing that the premier is difficult to work with.'

"On the other hand, if Rideout did try to squeeze out more money, outside of the normal transparent process, maybe this is a victory for those who are opposed to pork-barrel politics."

Temelini said Rideout's controversial resignation has possibly given some fuel for any Liberal candidate who may wish to replace him in Baie Verte-Springdale. However, he said Williams's approval rate is so high in public opinion polls, Rideout's resignation will not cause a great chasm in provincial politics.

"This might be chipping away in the long run, once Williams has left the scene," Temelini said, adding he doubts it will have much effect in the current Williams-friendly climate.

Rideout has not been available for comment since announcing his resignation late Monday.

Rideout, 60, was first elected, as a Liberal, in 1975, and represented his Baie Verte-area district until 1991. He served briefly as premier in 1989. Rideout left politics in 1991 to become a lawyer, but returned in 1999 to win the Lewisporte seat for the Progressive Conservatives. In October 2007, Rideout won the Baie Verte-Springdale seat for the Tories.

Williams will need to call a byelection in Baie Verte-Springdale by the end of July.