The real explanation for the Minister of Social Services and Employment's bizarre U-turn on the performance and capability of his WINZ Chief Executive from "no confidence" to describing her as a ''dedicated and impressive public servant" has now come out, according to ACT Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman.

"After months of continued attacks on Christine Rankin, Mr Maharey in Parliament today avoided repeated opportunities to deny that he had been warned against such statements by the State Services Commissioner.

"Worse than hiding the real reason for this unprecedented flip-flop was the fact that he has put taxpayers at real risk of a major personal grievance claim from Ms Rankin. If this eventuates he will have no choice but to resign," said Muriel Newman. ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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