Hon Trevor Mallard
Cabinet Minister

5 September 2008 Media Statement

Another day, another leak from National

Another leak from within National – this time the party’s conservation policy – proves the problems facing John Key are far more serious than he is trying to claim, Cabinet Minister Trevor Mallard said today.

"There is either a lot of National MPs or staff with memory problems dining at Copperfields café, or, far more likely, there is deep dissatisfaction with John Key’s leadership which keeps many in the party muzzled and out of the decision making process.

"Today’s leak of National’s conservation policy follows the premature disclosure yesterday of the party’s environment policy," Trevor Mallard said.

"These come on top of a number of examples of leaking and premature announcements of policy and secret plans which have bedevilled the party since the last election.

"Following on from the Hollow Men, there have been leaks and "accidental" disclosures of the plans to sell off Kiwibank, to impose $50 a week tolls, to ditch employer contributions to KiwiSaver, and to privatise ACC, not to mention the leak of John Key's suspicious meeting with British Conservative Party Deputy Chair and wealthy political donor Lord Michael Ashcroft.

"It is clear that John Key is facing a serious challenge to his authority and that his party is in disarray. If you can't manage the show in opposition, you're not fit to lead a government," Trevor Mallard said.

ENDS

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