Ross police probe news to National
The National Party and a female MP whose text to disgraced MP Jami-Lee Ross triggered a police investigation appear to have been blindsided by the move.
Ross revealed on Tuesday that police had approached him about the text in which he said the woman told him he deserved to die.
The Botany MP declined to discuss the circumstances of their relationship when interviewed by Stuff out of respect to his wife, who is supporting him. It has previously been reported he was having an affair with the female MP.
Ross said he had agreed to cooperate with any police inquiry and told Stuff on Tuesday the text was among a series of events in October that ultimately resulted in a mental breakdown and admission to Middlemore Hospital’s mental health unit.
It is an offence to incite people to commit suicide or self harm. Police launched a search for Ross and eventually found him on rail tracks outside Auckland after he texted back to the female MP ‘‘you get your wish’’.
National had no idea police were investigating till Ross dropped his bombshell on Tuesday – and has confirmed that the female MP at the centre of the investigation had been just as much in the dark.
She has not responded to messages and National said she would not be commenting.
A party spokesman said it was aware of media reports of an investigation but had not heard from police. ‘‘If there is an investigation then we would expect people to co-operate fully.’’
Police confirmed on Tuesday they were investigating a text sent to Ross.
A police spokesman confirmed a separate investigation into Ross’ allegations of electoral fraud by the National Party was ongoing.
Ross has been on mental health leave since his spectacular ousting from National last year after leader Simon Bridges accused him of leaking confidential details about his travel bill.
Ross denied he was the leaker and said the pressure ‘‘piled’’ on him by Bridges and deputy leader Paula Bennett contributed to his breakdown and thoughts of suicide.
National could oust Ross from Parliament by triggering the waka jumping bill but Bridges has so far ruled out that prospect.
Ross said he believed Bridges would face resistance from his caucus if he tried.
In the meantime, he was yet to make a decision on whether to stand in the Botany seat as an independent next year.