It is very clear that whatever Jim Anderton announces this afternoon has the fingerprints of the Prime Minister all over it, says National Party Leader Bill English.

"We all know Jim wouldn't want to upset his buddy Helen so the question has to be asked what part has she played in all of this.

"Is this all part of a plan by her that gives her a reason to hold an early election, if that is the game plan then she needs to let people know.

"Events over the last few days show that you can not trust Jim. Jim and Helen both have blood on their hands over the resignation of Gregory Fortuin, they put him in an impossible position and then walked away.

" Now Jim is doing the same thing to the Alliance, at a time when he should be showing solidarity he is walking away and leaving those who fought so hard for the party in the first place to fend for themselves.

"My challenge to Jim and Helen is to be honest with the public about what they are both up to. If Helen is after Jim to pull a stunt so she has an excuse for an early election then she should come clean," says Mr English.

Ends

© Scoop Media