25 September 2006

Brash flip-flop shows he's lost control of caucus

Don Brash's rapid u-turn on private meetings with the Exclusive Brethren is yet another sign that his days as National leader are numbered, Labour strategist Pete Hodgson said today.

After refusing to rule out future private meetings and future political partnering with the sect on Saturday morning, Don Brash has today condemned the Brethren after calls to do so from a number of caucus colleagues.

"Don Brash got the message that his relationship with the Brethren was hurting the National Party," Pete Hodgson said. "Gerry Brownlee, Katherine Rich and Maurice Williamson all publicly contradicted Brash's stance on future meetings with the Brethren.

"Rather than pull these members into line, Brash has finally caved to caucus pressure and ended his alliance with the Brethren.

"Brash is trying to disguise his flip-flop by focusing on the Brethren's attendance of public meetings. No one is calling on him to ban anyone from public meetings and no one ever has.

"The truth is that on Saturday Dr Brash was asked about his formal partnership with the Brethren and whether or not he would continue to meet with them privately as he has at least once since the election. He refused then to rule that out and said his work with the Brethren was no different to his work with Presbyterians and Methodists.

"Today's u-turn is a sign Dr Brash is not in control of his caucus. He should save himself further embarrassment and resign."

A transcript of Dr Brash's interview on TVNZ's Agenda can be found at

ENDS

© Scoop Media