9 April 2002

It must be only a matter of time before Jim Anderton has to step down as deputy prime minister, says National Party Leader Bill English.

"The gloss has definitely gone off Jim Anderton as his credibility and integrity continues to fall over the current debacle surrounding the Alliance.

"How can we have someone who doesn't even know what party they stand for staying on in such a serious position?

"The public see this as someone who is a complete hypocrite. He no longer wants to be with the Alliance but he does not want to give up the trappings that go with his current position.

"With the shine going off Jim Anderton, Helen Clark will be well aware he is becoming a liability and so the pressure will start to go on.

"National wants to know what the Prime Minister is going to do and I am sure Deputy PM in- waiting Michael Cullen would also like to know," says Bill English.

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