PM's Post-Cab on Iain Rennie, China and the Smith Inquiry

In a press conference held today in Wellington, Prime Minister John Key answered questions regarding Iain Rennie’s potential resignation, the independent inquiry into the Smith/Traynor escape, and recent trade deals with China.

Key confirmed information released by Minister of State Services Paula Bennet, that QC John Priestly would chair the inquiry and would be assisted by Simon Murdoch.

Key defended Murdoch as an appropriate choice as assisitant chair to the inquiry based on his excellent record as a public service agent.

He said that he would not be expecting Iain Rennie’s resignation for allowing a joint press conference with former CERA executive Roger Sutton. Key said that the situation was handled badly but would not be asking for Rennie’s resignation.

With regard to the Labour Party cabinet reshuffle, Key described it as a “seething backbench of misery and discontent” due to the backbench containing so many former leaders.

On the Chinese President’s visit to NZ last week, Key noted that President Xi JinPing is confident in the growth of the Chinese economy and Key is confident China will buy NZ products in “a very prolific way.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media