Alec Neill National MP for Wigram

14 August 2001

Blatant misuse of ministerial car slammed

National's MP for Wigram, Alec Neill, today slammed the blatant misuse of a ministerial self-drive car by the Deputy Prime Minister's wife to openly campaign for the forthcoming local body elections.

"Councillor Anderton says the car is part of her husband's salary and that she will use it for whatever she likes. But the Andertons' defiant misuse of a taxpayer-funded car will outrage hardworking New Zealanders up and down the country.

"Ministerial self-drives should not be used as campaign vehicles in central government elections let alone local body elections.

"Let's not forget that as well as the car, taxpayers are funding the petrol and all the associated running costs. It's totally inappropriate and unacceptable.

"Alliance voters would naturally hope their hard-earned tax would be going into health and social services. Not so. Instead it's funding Mrs Anderton's re-election campaign for the Wigram Ward."

The ministerial-cum-campaign car, complete with 'vote for me' stickers, has been a fixture around Christchurch for some time.

"The Andertons have long promoted themselves for serving the underdog. This latest scandal points to nothing less than self-serving," Mr Neill said.

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