David Cunliffe
Labour Leader

6 June 2014

John Banks must leave Parliament now

It is unacceptable for John Banks to remain in Parliament after he was found guilty of electoral fraud and the ACT MP must do the right thing and resign, Labour Leader David Cunliffe says.

“John Banks remains in Parliament on a technicality.

“The National Government has no credibility while it continues to be propped up by an MP found guilty of knowingly filing a false electoral return. This goes to the very heart of the public’s faith in our electoral system.

“John Key has wilfully ignored the allegations against John Banks for almost two years while his Government relied on his vote to pass controversial legislation such as asset sales.

“The Prime Minister has turned a blind eye to the behavior of John Banks. Add this to Judith Collins’ conflict of interest and the Cabinet Club cash for access scandal, and it is clear just how low his standards are.

“The MP for Epsom was brought into Parliament on the back of a dodgy deal struck because of the coat-tailing rule.

“If John Key wants to restore confidence to our political system, he should pick up Labour’s Members’ Bill to scrap the provision.

“The Prime Minister’s claim that yesterday’s verdict changes nothing shows the Government is seriously out of touch with New Zealanders.

“Kiwis deserve better than a Government propped up by a fraudster,” David Cunliffe says.

ENDS

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