National MP takes leave of absence
National leader Simon Bridges says a decision by one of his senior MPs to take several months leave is ‘‘unrelated’’ to an investigation into an internal party leak.
Bridges yesterday announced that MP Jami-Lee Ross is taking leave for ‘‘a few months’’ to deal with personal health issues.
At a press conference following the announcement, Bridges repeatedly denied any link to the leak investigation and variously described Ross’ health issues as ‘‘deeply personal’’ and private, for which he was receiving appropriate support.
Bridges said he had been talking to Ross for some days and the MP had asked for time away from Parliament to deal with his personal health issues.
‘‘Jami-Lee will be stepping back from his portfolio responsibilities and from the Opposition front bench,’’ he said.
Bridges said Ross approached him last week and had spent the weekend making ‘‘final decisions’’ about his future.
He said Ross was ‘‘focused on his wellbeing, on getting better and on his young family’’.
Asked about the nature of the health issues, Bridges responded: ‘‘That is, ultimately, so private and so personal. They are serious health issues. My focus and JamiLee’s is make sure he is getting the help he needs, and focusing on his family at this time.’’
Bridges announced an inquiry into who leaked his travel expenses in August after they were reported by before their public release a few days later.
The purpose of the leak was to embarrass the National leader over the size of his travel bill.
The finger of suspicion was pointed at National MPs because they all received a copy of the information that was leaked. The Speaker’s office and some parliamentary staff were the only other people to receive the information.
Speaker Trevor Mallard announced in August that he was calling off his own investigation after having it confirmed that it was a National Party matter.
He and Bridges had previously received a text from someone claiming to be the leaker asking that the inquiry be called off because of their mental health.
Bridges yesterday said he still did not know who leaked the travel bill, and the investigation by PriceWaterhouseCoopers was ongoing.
Asked if he had questioned Ross outright if it was him, Bridges said: ‘‘I’m trying to think if I have asked him.’’
Later Bridges said ‘‘I think we have talked about it. He’s very clear, he is not the leaker. I know that from him. I don’t know who the leaker is, we’ve got an ongoing investigation. That is entirely separate from what Jami-Lee Ross has come to me about’’.
National Party deputy leader Paula Bennett said they had not received a report from PWC yet and the firm had only recently received all the data it required from Parliamentary Service to conclude its investigation.
‘‘That is what is taking the time. We’ve had no indications from them whatsoever.’’
Bridges said he had taken Ross at his word.