Williamson Suspension Lifted

The Board of Directors of the New Zealand National Party has today announced it will reinstate the party membership of suspended National Party MP Hon Maurice Williamson.

The decision was made following receipt of a letter from Mr Williamson seeking a reconsideration of his suspension, and a number of written undertakings given by him to the Party as a result of a meeting with the Board earlier this week.

In making the decision, the Board had also received and considered a letter from the National Party caucus supporting a lifting of the suspension.

President Judy Kirk said that the Board is keen to support new Leader Dr Don Brash, and his express desire to put matters from the past behind the caucus and present a united front targeting the Labour minority government.

"We want the Leader to have a full complement of MPs committed to leading a centre-right government after the 2005 election".

"Mr Williamson has clearly demonstrated to us his regret over the actions that led to his suspension and his wish to support the Party and take the fight to Labour. We have agreed to lift the suspension on that basis", she said.

© Scoop Media