Police probe into alleged Barclay tapings continues

While Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay has signalled he intends to leave the country, the police investigation into allegations he recorded a staff member in his Gore electorate office is ongoing.

Police yesterday confirmed the investigation was continuing, but would not comment on whether Barclay had been interviewed or whether he would be extradited from the United Kingdom, where it is understood he plans to move to, should charges be laid.

They also would not confirm whether Barclay had told them he intended to leave the country or if he had given them new contact details before he departed.

A police spokesperson said they could not say how long the investigation would take.

Police initially dropped an investigation into the allegations Barclay recorded Glenys Dickson’s conversations as Barclay refused to be interviewed.

Dickson was paid settlement money topped up from then Prime Minister John Key’s parliamentary budget after she learnt of the recordings and engaged an employment lawyer.

Police reopened the investigation when Prime Minister Bill English said he told police in April 2016 that Barclay had told him about the recording.

Barclay remains CluthaSouthland’s MP until tomorrow, but has rarely been seen in public since announcing his resignation as a National electorate candidate on June 21, despite still being paid his $165,000 salary, plus travel and accommodation expenses.

He was also expected to receive three months’ gardening leave after the election.

Mountain Scene reported Barclay was set to leave NZ on Tuesday seeking job opportunities in London. His Arrowtown home was under offer last week.

Hamish Walker won the National Party nomination for the Clutha-Southland electorate.