Concern for expenses leaker’s health

The Speaker has called off an inquiry into the leaking of Simon Bridges’ expenses details, saying he believes the perpetrator is from within the National Party.

A person claiming to be National Party caucus member has sent anonymous texts imploring both the National Party leader and Speaker Trevor Mallard to abandon the investigation, citing mental health issues. Police have uncovered the identity of the person but would not disclose it. However, Mallard confirmed he had called off the inquiry, saying he was satisfied the leaker was unlikely to be anyone outside of National.

Earlier in the day, Bridges said it was important that person received all the help they needed, but the integrity of Parliament had to be protected too.

However, he had climbed down from the staunch claims he made last week that he did not believe it was a member of his own caucus.

‘‘There are a range of credible scenarios that really mean I cannot say whether they were, or whether they weren’t. Whether they were a National MP, another MP, someone in Parliamentary Service or indeed wider than that.’’

Bridges said he could also not rule out the text as an attempt to manipulate the system.

However, Mallard indicated that while an independent investigation would not go ahead, Parliamentary Service would co-operate with an internal National Party inquiry.

‘‘The existence of, and part of the detail of, a text both the Leader of the Opposition and I received last week has been reported on. It has now been confirmed to me that the person who leaked the details of the expenses and the texter are the same person. He or she has details of events that it is unlikely anyone outside the National Party would be privy to,’’ Mallard said.

‘‘The text is from someone who is clearly very disturbed and today’s publicity will almost certainly make that worse. My priority is to get appropriate support to them whether they are an MP or a staff member. I have discussed my decision with Simon Bridges.

‘‘He disagrees with it. He wants the inquiry to continue. I have indicated to him that the Parliamentary Service will co-operate if he decides that he wants to proceed with an investigation and appropriate consents from MPs are in place.’’