MEDIA RELEASE

17 October 2002

Heads Roll Over Financial Concerns
Christian Heritage Party Executive in Turmoil

Ongoing concerns about the administration of the Christian Heritage Party’s finances have caused the resignations of two National Executive Members in the past week.

The departure of the two Graham Capill loyalists has left many in the Party even more concerned about the lack of financial accountability within the organisation.

First to go was Mr Keith Burgess, a member of the Party Finance Committee for 12 years. His involvement in the administration of the CHP finances has come under scrutiny since the election, and it is widely believed that he was asked to resign by Party Leader Graham Capill. His departure means that the CHP Finance Committee now has only one member left: Mr Capill.

This week National Secretary John Bryant resigned his position suddenly. Mr Bryant was a member of the Party for nearly ten years, and was a former Deputy Leader and Executive Director. He attends church with Mr Capill in Christchurch, and has been regarded as one of Mr Capill’s staunchest supporters.

Mr Bryant’s resignation has left Christian Heritage in the embarrassing position of not having a Party Secretary to sign its Election Expenditure Return to the Electoral Commission, due in next month.

In recent weeks, Mr Capill and Head Office have been beset by calls for greater financial accountability. Several Electorate Committees and Candidates have indicated that it is no longer acceptable that Head Office bans them from having local bank accounts, and have expressed doubt over financial reports generated by Head Office.

The shock resignation of two of Graham Capill’s closest friends is seen to be a direct result of an unprecedented level of tough questioning from disgruntled members and candidates, but their sacrifice is unlikely to be enough to prevent further questioning of the party finances.

The National Executive has been advised that several members are considering their legal options if satisfactory answers are not forthcoming.

Further information: Adam Owens 025 6700 376 or 06 377 4579

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