Mallard called ‘twat’ as Nat MPs storm out
Senior National MPs Simon Bridges and Paul Goldsmith stormed out of Parliament yesterday after an argument with the Speaker.
A number of MPs in the chamber confirmed Bridges called Mallard a “twat” as he was leaving, while Goldsmith was heard saying “what a waste of time”.
But Mallard would not comment on the insult. “It wasn’t drawn to my attention and therefore the time has passed.”
When pushed on his reaction to the insult itself, Mallard said: “I don’t react to Mr Bridges, Mr [David] Bennett, Mr [ Gerry] Brownlee, or Mr [Chris] Bishop or any of the things they have done recently in the House.”
Moments after question time had finished, National again attempted to move a motion of no confidence in the Speaker.
But, as was the case last week, it was torpedoed by Labour, which holds a majority in the House.
Yesterday’s scuffle in the House began with Goldsmith arguing with Mallard on his decision not to let him continue his line of questioning of Education Minister Chris Hipkins in the House.
Goldsmith was looking the wrong way when Mallard asked if he wanted to ask another question and when he did not get a response from the National MP, he moved on. Goldsmith asked how he was supposed to know what Mallard was doing when he was not looking at the Speaker.
“By using your ears,” Mallard replied to much laughter in the House.
At that, Goldsmith stormed out of the chamber and could be heard saying “waste of time” as he was leaving.
Bridges, who was not involved in the exchange, called Mallard a “twat” as he was leaving, according to several MPs who heard the exchange.
Meanwhile, National leader Judith Collins has pulled Bridges into line over his “wokester” attack-line on Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.
She has made it “very clear” to Bridges that his comments should be directed at Police Minister Poto Williams and not at Coster — New Zealand’s top police official.
Bridges on Tuesday told media that Coster was not fit for the job of Police Commissioner as he was putting “being nice” ahead of applying the laws.
He called him a “wokester commissioner” — essentially implying that Coster was too politically correct and wanted to ensure he was not offending anyone with his decisions.