Gerry Brownlee MP National Party Deputy Leader

12 September 2006

Labour finally confirms it won't be paying money back

National Party Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee is astounded Helen Clark has left it to Pete Hodgson to tell taxpayers that Labour won't be paying back the money it misspent on its election pledge cards.

Mr Brownlee is referring to comments by the Labour Party's strategist, Pete Hodgson, who said 'no we won't be paying the money back' when asked about the pledge card spending on radio this morning.

"Why has Helen Clark left it to Mr Hodgson to make this announcement? It was her leader's fund, so why hasn't she fronted up to the public to give the bad news?"

Mr Brownlee says Labour has been resorting to all manner of "distractions, diversions and threats" in an attempt to stem the public outrage over the alleged unlawful spending.

"Labour is obviously preparing to make legal that which is currently illegal, all as part of a cynical exercise in self preservation.

"New Zealand politics has long been free of corruption. MPs have fiercely protected that reputation - until now.

"The Parliament and the public expect and deserve much better," says Mr Brownlee.

ENDS

© Scoop Media