Bridge quits Nats after ‘Merv’ talkback bad call

Long-serving National board member Roger Bridge has resigned from the party after it was discovered he apparently used the alias “Merv” to call talkback radio and complain about his party’s candidate selection process in Auckland Central.

In a statement yesterday, National’s president, Peter Goodfellow, said Bridge tendered his resignation after the party’s board “thoroughly investigated and discussed the matter”.

The board met on Thursday night, where Bridge tendered his resignation, which was accepted.

“We all make mistakes and this is an unfortunate situation for someone who has given many years of loyal service to the National Party,” Goodfellow said.

He added that Bridge had actively supported countless members, supporters, as well as the wider party.

Goodfellow said the party now considered the matter closed.

National’s board was first made aware of allegations during a Newshub story on Monday.

Bridge denied posing as “Merv” on talkback radio after he was confronted by a reporter who put the allegations to him.

Bridge apparently called Newstalk ZB’s Marcus Lush saying his name was “Merv” and he was upset about the goings-on in the Auckland Central seat.

He said he was in Manurewa and had planned to vote for Nuwanthie Samarakone for the local seat before she decided to run for Auckland Central.

“I’m a bit confused because there’s billboards all over the place with this “Nuwi” girl and then I understand that she’s also standing in Auckland Central,” he said.

“She’s already standing in Manurewa and I was ready to vote for her but now I understand that she’s going over to Auckland Central — I’m confused.”

On Monday, communications manager Emma Mellow won

National’s nomination for the seat.

The day after the call, it was revealed National would hold an emergency board meeting to discuss the call, and Bridge’s behaviour.

National Party leader Judith Collins said Bridge’s apparent attempts to undermine one candidate for the Auckland Central selection were “not what we would do, it’s not something I approve of ”. But she said it was a matter for the party.

She told Radio NZ the board was meeting to discuss the issue, but she did not believe it was of any interest to the wider New Zealand public.