Political scandal is back in the headlines – this time with allegations about the Labour MP Darren Hughes. As usual, the people with any actual knowledge of the allegations are not saying much, so there is not a lot of information about the scandal in the media or blogosphere – even though there are plenty of articles and blog posts. The two most authoritative accounts are: Tracy Watkins’ article Police investigate Labour MP Darren Hughes and Claire Trevett’s version, 'I have done nothing wrong' – MP. But a more revealing but unsubstantiated account is on the blog of Phil Quin, who has a lot of senior Labour Party contacts – see: How the Labour MP should respond to the emerging gay sexual harassment scandal. From the mainstream media we seem to know that a complaint has been made which police are currently investigating. The complainant is an 18-year-old male who was a ‘Youth MP’ at Parliament for a Labour MP in 2010 (hence people are Googling this information to get his name). The complaint relates to something that apparently happened at Darren Hughes’ inner-city Wellington residence, which he shares with deputy leader Annette King. The allegations result from something that happened two weeks ago. Since then a search warrant has been issued for the house, and Police took away items. According to Phil Quin’s blog post – which is unsubstantiated – ‘the alleged scandal contains at least the following elements: The MP made unwanted sexual advances towards an 18-year male after an official function; The MP is gay or bisexual, but has concealed the fact; He has a drinking problem’.
In other news, there are ongoing debates and disagreement about the Government’s likely Budget and cost cutting. The best accounts are by John Armstrong – Disharmony at the top on how to pay the bill for Christchurch and Tim Watkins – Quake’s political aftermath.
Of interest in the blogosphere, political scientist and activist Quentin Findlay ponders whether the Green Party could ever enter into any coalition or support arrangement with the National Party – see: unf**k the World – The Perils of Being Green. [Continue reading below for a full list of the highlights of NZ Politics Daily]
Below are the internet links to all the NZ politics material from the last 24 hours that are either informative, insightful, interesting or influential. This list and the links are taken from a fuller document, NZ Politics Daily, which is emailed out, Monday to Friday, to various researchers, academics, journalists, MPs and so forth. The document is purely for research purposes only, and if you would like to be on the subscription list, please email: bryce.edwards@otago.ac.nz
Darren Hughes allegations
Claire Trevett (NZH): 'I have done nothing wrong' - MP
Tracy Watkins (Stuff): Police investigate Labour MP Darren Hughes
Vernon Small (Stuff): Labour in crisis talks over allegations against MP - sources
Phil Quinn (The New Tasman): How the Labour MP should respond to the emerging gay sexual harassment scandal
Economy and Budget
John Armstrong (NZH): Disharmony at the top on how to pay the bill for Christchurch
NZPA: Govt cost-cutting hits wide range of programme
Claire Trevett (NZH): Pet projects face cuts, Key warns
TVNZ: Projects to be pared back as cuts loom
Tim Watkin (TVNZ): Quake’s political aftermath
No Right Turn: What “no new spending” actually means
No Right Turn: Meanwhile…
No Right Turn: There is now no principled argument against an earthquake levy
Jarrod Booker (NZH): Christchurch earthquake: Business owners slam aid package
Earthquake
Chris Trotter (Press): Reflections On The Christchurch Earthquake
NZPA: Goff defends red tie at memorial
World Socialist Website: Memorial service used to divert attention from inadequate relief for New Zealand earthquake victims
Foreshore and seabed
Martin Kay (Stuff): Hikoi ends not with a bang but a winter
Derek Cheng (NZH): Hikoi hits out at Maori Party
Newstalk ZB: Creative names for foreshore bill
NZPA: Harawira writes open letter to Maori Party
Other
Quentin Findlay (New Masses): Unf**k the World – The Perils of Being Green
NZPA: NZ to remain in Afghanistan for at least a year
Waatea News: Harawira’s party to focus on those suffering
Derek Cheng (NZH): Judges split over pre-trial changes
Martin Johnston (NZH): Plan to reform health authorities questioned
Mathew Dearnaley (NZH): Auckland tunnel threat: you'll pay
iPredict: 2011 ELECTION UPDATE #19
NewstalkZB: Mayors unhappy with Bennett – Labour
NZPA: Defence musical chairs as another promotion announced
David Farrar (Kiwiblog): A Labour MP defies Goff
