Venkat Raman
Auckland, November 24, 2021
The National Party has stripped former Leader Simon Bridges of all his portfolios, in what has been stated to be ‘misbehaviour with a caucus college a few years ago.’
Mr Bridges has been the Party’s Spokesperson for Justice, Water, Pike River Re-Entry and Maori Crown Relations and was repeatedly mentioned of returning to leadership in recent weeks.
Party Leader Judith Collins announced the demotion at a 9 pm press release stating that the Party’s Board of Directors took an unanimous decision this evening.
Serious complaint
The decision follows an allegation of serious misconduct relating to Mr Bridges’ interaction with a caucus colleague.
Details are not known but Ms Collins said that the case relates to comments made by Mr Bridges to a female caucus colleague at a function a number of years ago.
“Having been made aware of the seriousness of the complaint for the first time and the ongoing distress this has caused the complainant, I was left with no option but to immediately demote Simon Bridges and relieve him of his portfolio responsibilities. This decision has not been made lightly. However, the seriousness of the situation demands a swift and decisive response. Under my leadership, the National Party will not tolerate harassment and intimidation of any person,” she said.
Ms Collins said that Members of Parliament and staff should be able to conduct their duties at all times without feeling unsafe or intimidated, and all deserve to be treated with absolute respect by their colleagues in all situations, she added.
