MP quits over sex-text scandal
PM got complaint from parents and passed it on to Nats
National MP Andrew Falloon quit politics after a pornographic image was sent from his phone to a young woman.
The Herald understands the image was not of himself but was pornographic in nature.
The recipient was a young woman attending university and her parents alerted the Prime Minister’s office to the incident. Jacinda Ardern’s chief of staff, with permission, notified National Party leader Judith Collins on Friday.
It is understood Falloon’s version of events is that he was at a party several weeks ago and briefly left his phone unattended — and acquaintances then used it to send the sexual image in question.
He met with Collins yesterday and offered his resignation.
Police confimed last night that an investigation began after receiving a report of an individual sending an “unsolicited image”.
“The investigation determined it did not meet the threshold for prosecution. As such, no further action will be taken,” a spokesperson said.
Falloon, 37, a first-term MP in the
Rangitata seat, said in a statement he had made a “number of mistakes”.
“As I noted in my maiden speech three years ago, when I was younger I lost three close friends to suicide.
“It was an extremely difficult period in my life. Unfortunately, recently, another friend took their own life, which has brought back much unresolved grief.
“I have made a number of mistakes and I apologise to those who have been affected.
“Recent events have compounded that situation and reminded me of the need to maintain my own health and wellbeing. I have again been receiving counselling.”
Ardern said yesterday that the matter was for the National Party to deal with and the Government had acted appropriately by asking for permission to forward the information and by keeping it confidential.
Falloon’s statement cited concern for his “own health and wellbeing”.
“I apologise for this disruption to my colleagues and to those I serve in Mid and South Canterbury.” He thanked Collins for her support. Collins said that Falloon was facing “significant mental health issues”. Sending harmful content is one
of Collins’ zero-tolerance issues. As Minister of Justice, Collins put up the Harmful Digital Communications legislation which primarily targeted cyber-bullying, and covered the sending of objectionable material.
Falloon becomes the third National MP to quit since Collins was appointed leader last week. Nikki Kaye and Amy Adams are also going.