Collins defends MP

AUCKLAND: National leader Judith Collins has defended ‘‘gross misinformation’’ by one of her MPs on social media.

On Saturday, Ms Collins said comments by Alfred Ngaro were his own ‘‘genuinely held views’’, not the party’s.

Mr Ngaro, ranked 30 on the National list and in danger of losing his seat on current polling, posted to Facebook attacks on his Labour rival for Te Atatu, Phil Twyford.

‘‘Your local MP should represent the values of the people and place,’’ he wrote, accompanied by claims ‘‘a vote for Phil’’ was a vote for legalising recreational cannabis, decriminalising all drugs, fullterm abortion and ‘‘abortion based on gender and disability’’.

Mr Ngaro deleted the post, but not before Mr Twyford — the incumbent for Te Atatu — got a screenshot.

Ms Collins said she had spoken to Mr Ngaro, and he told her it was his personal belief.

She said she supported freedom of speech. .

Mr Twyford had shared the screenshots, saying ‘‘such a gross piece of misinformation . . . shouldn’t be ignored’’. — New Zealand Herald