Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Bill English needs to come clean over Barclay

Andrew Little

Leader of the Opposition


20 June 2017

Bill English needs to come clean over Barclay


Bill English needs to explain why he failed to be upfront with the public over the actions of Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay, following revelations that he knew about the secretly recorded conversations in the MP’s electorate office, says Labour Leader Andrew Little.

“The Newsroom investigation makes some disturbing allegations. It alleges that Mr Barclay secretly taped conversations involving his office staff and possibly involving private discussions with constituents.

“This was the subject of a criminal inquiry by the Police. Mr Barclay refused to be interviewed by the Police and the matter went nowhere.

“But now we know the Prime Minister was aware all along about the problems that erupted in the office of the MP who succeeded him in the seat.

“The Prime Minister has not been open with the New Zealand public about this. In March last year he said he did not want to ‘overdramatise’ the situation, describing the problems as just a transition period for a new MP. He was asked if he knew about the allegations and said no.

“Clearly, as Newsroom reveals, Mr English knew a lot more than he was prepared to tell the New Zealand public about.

“It’s seems unethical to me that a person in public office facing a Police inquiry should fail to cooperate and be supported by senior National Party members in doing so.

“People are right to ask if there’s been a cover-up.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“Why is Mr English still protecting his MP in the wake of these fresh revelations?

“At the end of nine years we are seeing a government that is starting to look increasingly tawdry.

“All this coming after Nicky Wagner preferring to spend time on Auckland Harbour than meeting disability groups, Simon Bridges frustrating OIA requests and Alfred Ngaro threatening community groups. It’s time for a change of government and a fresh approach,” says Andrew Little.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.