Phil Goff
Leader of the Labour Party

14 December 2010 Media Statement

Wong resigns to protect John Key

Pansy Wong’s sudden resignation is a cynical attempt to avoid further investigation into her rorting of taxpayers’ money and to protect her leader John Key after his abysmal failure to take responsibility for her, says Labour Leader Phil Goff.

“John Key and Pansy Wong are treating the public with complete contempt if they think people are going to swallow their claim today that she’s leaving to avoid becoming a ‘distraction’.

“Pansy Wong has rushed to resign before the full extent of her wrongdoing is exposed. She thought she’d got off scot-free thanks to the initial report into her activities, which was a whitewash. But once the threat of exposure became real, she got spooked and resigned.

“The fact John Key didn’t force her to resign weeks ago is an indictment on his leadership and shows he’s been involved in a cover-up. Pansy Wong and John Key know there is proof out there that she’s had her fingers in the taxpayers’ till and has been using hardworking New Zealanders’ money to help her husband boost his business profits.

“Labour believes the Auditor-General should still investigate her travel and business activities.

“Pansy Wong has gone before Christmas so that John Key can avoid answering questions about her rort. But no-one will be fooled by his cynical brand of politics.

“The Prime Minister has defended Pansy Wong to the hilt throughout this scandal.
His staff and ministers abused Labour and journalists when they asked questions. He refused to take action when evidence of her wrongdoing was presented. He refused to refer the matter to the Auditor-General. Just a few days ago, he went as far as saying she’d simply made an ‘innocent mistake’. Now suddenly, she’s gone.

“This cynical political attempt at a cover-up won’t work. The public know that Pansy Wong has abused their trust. John Key promised high standards but now Pansy Wong joins Richard Worth, Bill English and Phil Heatley on the wall of shame.”

ENDS

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