Dr Prebble Had No Sartorial Advice For Me, PM Says

Head of the Prime Minister’s Department Mark Prebble had never given Prime Minister Helen Clark advice on what to wear, and wouldn’t have even if she did wear short skirts, Miss Clark said today.

National Leader Jenny Shipley called for Dr Prebble to be sacked, after comments he made to former Work and Income Department Chief Executive Christine Rankin about her clothing came to light at the Employment Court.

“I think that’s quite irrelevant to his work with me,” Miss Clark said at today’s post-Cabinet press conference.

“It’s worth noting that WINZ itself had a dress code that Christine Rankin imposed on others,” Miss Clark said.

“I can say he’s been an outstanding policy adviser,” Miss Clark said. “I’m entirely happy with his performance. I don’t have any case to review his employment.”

The Prime Minister, who has called for more women in Government departments, said she doesn't think there is institutionalised sexism in the public service.

The Prime Minister described Mrs Rankin’s $818,000 grievance case at the Employment Court as a “soap opera,” but refuses to comment on the unfolding drama.

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