How the saga unfolded

August 13

— MediaWorks publishes a story based on Simon Bridges’ leaked expenses.

August 15

— Speaker Trevor Mallard agrees to hold inquiry.

August 16

— Bridges, Mallard and Newshub receive anonymous text message allegedly from National MP pleading for inquiry to be called off on mental health grounds.

August 17

— Bridges talks to mental health experts and tells police about text on advice.

August 19

— Police tell Bridges they have identified and contacted the texter (won’t name them) and that the person is getting support.

August 23

— Mallard names Michael Heron, QC, to conduct inquiry.

August 24

— RNZ reveals texts were sent the previous week to Bridges and Mallard, PM Jacinda Ardern and other comment publicly.

August 24

— Mallard cancels Heron

inquiry.

August 28

— On Mallard’s request Parliamentary Service starts an investigation into himself and PS staff who access to the travel expenses, using KPMG.

September 4

— PS reports KPMG finds no evidence of disclosure of the information to unauthorised parties.

October 2

— Bridges announces Ross to take several months leave to deal with personal health issues, says decision is “unrelated” to investigation into internal party leak.