MP at centre of Bridges allegation breaks silence

MP for Waitaki Jacqui Dean. RNZ / Simon Rogers

The MP at the centre of last night's allegation of serious misconduct against Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, which ultimately led to the demise of National leader Judith Collins today, has spoken out.

Jacqui Dean, the MP for Waitaki, says in a statement that comments made by Bridges five years ago have resurfaced in her mind recently but that Bridges has 'reiterated his apology”.

'About five years ago, Simon Bridges made remarks that upset me at the time,” says Dean.

'They were not about me, but they were inappropriate and not something I wanted to hear.

'At the time there was an apology, but subsequently it has continued to play on my mind and with the recent reviews that have occurred in Parliament the feelings have been brought back up.

'What matters to me is that all of us have a clear understanding of what behaviour we should expect in a modern workplace environment.

'Simon and I have spoken a number of times over the past few hours and he has reiterated his apology.”

In a statement last night, Collins announced that Bridges had been demoted and relieved of his portfolio responsibilities due to the allegation.

However, after a caucus meeting this morning, Collins was issued with a motion of no confidence, says new interim leader Dr Shane Reti.

He says the caucus was "concerned" with the content of the media release issued by Collins last night and the process.

That motion was successful and Collins confirmed she was no longer leader of the National party on her Twitter account.

Dean is now hoping for privacy regarding the incident.

'As I'm sure can be appreciated, the publicity around this has been upsetting and I ask that my privacy is respected on this,” she says.

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3 comments

Hmmm

Posted on 25-11-2021 14:26 | By Let's get real

Just the sort of lame babble that we expect from the sleazy left. Fortunately it backfired in a spectacular manner and the next election might have a better outcome for the nation. It's hard to attack stupidity and poor governance when there isn't a strong alternative, and Collins wasn't it.


Concerned

Posted on 25-11-2021 14:42 | By Kancho

So Ms Dean overheard silly locker room boys talk and was offended. The matter was dealt with by the party leader and an apology was made and accepted five years ago. No problem. Now Judith has committed political suicide . Again no problem. Ms Dean would now like privacy, well really ? However as a ex Labour supporter I just want opposition to get themselves sorted and get Labour / Greens out of office next election. Hopefully they can rebuild and become effective as there is so much to attack this current government on .


The kind of MP we all want.

Posted on 25-11-2021 15:15 | By morepork

One who is so "fragile" that she is "upset" by a passing comment that wasn't even aimed at her but was something she "didn't want to hear". And it still bothers her after 5 years and a sincere apology? Part of the MP job description is being able to listen to things which you may not want to hear. If you are "upset" by the conversation of others, you should seriously be looking for another job. This is the insidious effect of Political Correctness, undermining the ability to say what you think and speak your mind. If you can't stand the heat, don't go in the kitchen.


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