New secret tape surfaces

A new secret recording has emerged of Jami-Lee Ross and Simon Bridges, with the National leader promising his “100 per cent assurance” that he will not divulge details of why Ross was to take medical leave from Parliament.

The incomplete recording features Ross talking to Bridges and deputy leader Paula Bennett before the Botany MP took leave from Parliament in early October.

The tape confirms Ross’ alleged harassment of women was raised, as was his alleged disloyalty to the National Party.

During the conversation the trio discuss minimising media coverage of Ross’ decision to take medical leave. They also discuss whether to cite medical or family reasons for taking leave.

Bridges also assures Ross that he will not discuss the details — in any forum — of why Ross was absent from Parliament.

“I give you my 100 per cent assurance that if you go with the statement along the lines we’ve talked about, I will never badmouth you in relation to this — privately, publicly, in background, off the record in any way,” Bridges says on the recording, which was obtained by MediaWorks.

“I will do everything within my power to keep the things we talked about last week out of the public [inaudible]. I will do everything.”

Bridges and Bennett state repeatedly that they are concerned about Ross’ mental health — and tell him if he follows their instructions he could return to Parliament next year — and might even be promoted.

On the tape Bennett suggests citing medical reasons for Ross taking leave as it would reduce interest from the media.

The new tape also confirms that Bridges and Bennett had raised Ross’ treatment of female employees with him.

Ross has been expelled from the National Party and remains on sick leave.