IMHO the Party is partly responsible. If I was Chair of the National Party I would ensure all MPs were fully conversant with the rules and ensured they complied. After all, what did the MP in question do with the money?
I ran for a small, broke party, as new candidate and I made sure to know the rules to the letter. TOP was also very diligent in making sure we all knew our obligations with our donations and expenses. And I wasn't ever close to any law-breaking donation amounts. But I knew I had to declare every cent, even if it didn't amount to much. I took it seriously becase I knew what it meant for trust, transparency and fairness. So, I don't think there are any excuses for this. Like you wisely say: "National is a large and professional party that can barely claim to be inexperienced in dealing with electoral law"
Its the past transgressions by him that are a problem, two are listed in the blog, I am a local and alot of us were wondering why he put up hoardings so early, then it turned up he had to take them down, he pleaded ignorance, but if I was thinking it was wrong he definitely should have known being an experienced politician, and having a war chest that large he could certainly afford to replace them. There was ALOT of advertising around town, not suppressing with that many donations
Makes you wonder if the only reason why it has been acted upon this way is because they got wind they were not going to get away with it?
The only thing they are sorry about is getting caught.
IMHO the Party is partly responsible. If I was Chair of the National Party I would ensure all MPs were fully conversant with the rules and ensured they complied. After all, what did the MP in question do with the money?
I ran for a small, broke party, as new candidate and I made sure to know the rules to the letter. TOP was also very diligent in making sure we all knew our obligations with our donations and expenses. And I wasn't ever close to any law-breaking donation amounts. But I knew I had to declare every cent, even if it didn't amount to much. I took it seriously becase I knew what it meant for trust, transparency and fairness. So, I don't think there are any excuses for this. Like you wisely say: "National is a large and professional party that can barely claim to be inexperienced in dealing with electoral law"
Its the past transgressions by him that are a problem, two are listed in the blog, I am a local and alot of us were wondering why he put up hoardings so early, then it turned up he had to take them down, he pleaded ignorance, but if I was thinking it was wrong he definitely should have known being an experienced politician, and having a war chest that large he could certainly afford to replace them. There was ALOT of advertising around town, not suppressing with that many donations
Sacrificial lamb
Bryce,
Not good but Luxon has it under control.
How about some worthwhile attacks on the 'GREEN ladies from a certain party instead of nit picking the Nat's all the time.
Nah David, it's been nice to have some blue dirt for a change, coz behind the green dirt, I often wonder if there may just be a blue finger.
This is a good expose.......and a head needs to roll, especially comparitive to what Wood did.......and rolled for.