Ross v Bridges on mental health

RENEGADE MP JamiLee Ross, pictured, has called out National leader Simon Bridges over a tweet about mental health.

Bridges tweeted a link to a news article critical of Labour’s mental health working group, with the comment ‘‘This is a farce’’.

Shortly after, Ross responded: ‘‘Are you sure you’re the right person to be criticising others on the topic of mental health??’’

The reply instantly caught the attention of Twitter users, with many revelling in the exchange.

The relationship between Bridges and Ross fell apart during last year’s saga revolving around leaked information from inside the National Party and allegations that Ross had mistreated women with whom he was in relationships.

Ross’ mental health deteriorated and he was found by police in a distressed state just before

Christmas. He was compulsorily admitted to Middlemore Hospital’s mental health unit.

Ross was later expelled from the caucus after Bridges blamed him for the leaked information.

He is now an independent MP for Botany, and has been critical of the way he was treated by members of the National Party during the fallout.

Ross yesterday said he would be using his platform as an independent MP to ‘‘raise issues which are important’’ such as mental health services.

‘‘The government Simon and I were part of let the sector down and let the system reach crisis point.’’

Bridges declined to comment on the tweet sent by Ross.