Press Release Statements from both Colin and Helen Craig 22/06/2015

[Based on automatic character recognition. Original Facebook post.]

Statement of Colin Craig
22-Jun-2015

Thank you for coming today. I am attending with my wife Helen who will also be saying a few words and afterward I will take questions.

I remind you that as I have stood down as Party Leader of the Conservative Party I am speaking to you entirely on my own behalf.

I intend today to address the wild speculations and allegations being made about my dealings with former press secretary Miss Rachel Macgregor.

I have previously met with Miss Macgregor and we have resolved outstanding matters. However a lack of detail to media has resulted in some people filling in the gaps very creatively. Today I will be setting the record straight.

A copy of our statements today is available for collection from my press secretary.

Financial Settlements with Miss Macgregor

I can advise that all financial matters with Miss Macgregor are resolved. The specifics of these settlements are as follows:

Matter 1: Invoicing Dispute I received earlier this year from Miss Macgregor an invoice for services rendered last year. The invoice total was just under 50,000. Of this amount 20,000 had already been paid in advance last year.

We had some disagreements with her invoice and after prolonged discussion it was agreed to settle this amount by a full and final payment of 16,000. This figure has already been mentioned in media reports.

Matter 2: Personal advance to Miss Macgregor My wife (Helen) and I had been helping Miss Macgregor bring her finances into order. To assist we agreed to an interest free loan (just under 20,000) to enable her credit card debt to be cleared. Miss Macgregor however went into default on the repayment of this loan and was unable to make payment. Subsequently she requested that the loan be forgiven on compassionate grounds. The request was granted.

Matter : Company property

It has been agreed that company property in Miss Macgregors possession will be returned at her cost.

Allegations of Harassment

There has been a great deal of wild and inaccurate speculation about the allegation of sexual harassment that was made against me.

The widespread circulation of inaccurate information on this topic is completely inconsistent with the basis on which I sought to resolve my differences with Miss MacGregor. Reluctantly, I am being forced to respond.

I have already explained above how our financial differences were resolved, as a separate matter.

I have said on numerous occasions that my working relationship with Miss MacGregor was positive and constructive. I am grateful for the good work she did for the party and her assistance in handling the media.

In hindsight, on some occasions our conduct was inappropriate and we have acknowledged that so we can both move on.

Let me make it very clear that I have never sexually harassed anyone and allegations to the contrary are wrong.

Conclusion

It would seem that there has been much mischief making in the last few days. I trust that media will now set the record straight.

To the many hundreds of people who have sent me their support, thank you for that. I am here today with my wonderful wife who is my biggest supporter. I am now hand over to Helen to say a few words.

________________________________________

Statement of Helen Craig 22-Jun2015

Thank you for being here today.

I do not often speak to the media but I choose to stand with my husband here today in full love and support of him whom I believe has been falsely accused.

I wanted to say how difficult the last few days have been with these wild and defamatory allegations being thrown around by the media both for ourselves and our wider family. Particularly as the speculations relate to allegations already withdrawn.

Colin is a good man and it has been distressing for me to see his character and reputation under constant attack. I am amazed at his resilience even when under such pressure.

I also wanted to say thank you to our family, friends, and supporters who know us well and who have not been tempted to believe the worst but have sent support in so many ways. You guys are the salt of the earth and we are so grateful for you.

I won't be answering any questions today. Thank you

© Scoop Media