Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Deputy Prime Minister

5 August 2008 Media Statement

Time for real explanation on secret agenda

John Key must explain what is happening inside his caucus after a second senior National MP has been caught out talking about the Party’s real plans for government, Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said.

National MP Lockwood Smith – a former Cabinet Minister and a senior member of National’s caucus – was caught on tape reassuring conference delegates that Mr Key’s flip flops are only designed to win the election and that the Party would get on with a traditional National agenda once in office.

The Smith recording has been revealed just hours after Bill English had to apologise for admitting that the Party would ‘eventually’ sell Kiwibank if elected.

“It is starting to look like we cannot trust anything the National Party has told New Zealanders,” Dr Cullen said.

“Mr Key has two options.

“He could admit that he has no intention of sticking to the centrist, ‘Labour-plus’ agenda he is promising New Zealanders.

“Or he can admit that the senior MPs around him are very happy to use him to gain power, but have no intention of letting him run the show if they are elected.

“It’s time for answers.”

ENDS

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