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Shane Jones returns in time for talks

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 Oct 2017, 10:58AM
Shane Jones. (Photo \ Getty Images)
Shane Jones. (Photo \ Getty Images)

Shane Jones returns in time for talks

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 Oct 2017, 10:58AM

After skipping the two-week induction for new MPs, NZ First recruit Shane Jones has returned to parliament.

The former Labour MP who lost his spot in 2014 picked up a list place in last month's election but immediately went away for a fortnight.

"I have been away on a private trip that was organised before I didn't do as well as I thought I would do in Whangarei and now I'm back," he said.

"It was organised with my beauty queen some time ago."

Mr Jones ran against National MP Shane Reti in the Whangarei electorate but placed third with just 18 per cent of the vote.

When he wasn't in attendance at the new MP inductions - not compulsory but highly recommended - Mr Jones told a reporter in a statement "to be read in Winston (Peters') voice" that he wasn't at the induction because he had been an MP and minister previously.

"He got leave to go. He's not on holiday," the message said.

There was some suggestion Mr Jones would be involved in coalition negotiations with NZ First and his former party, but he was tight lipped on that on Monday.

"I'll leave the negotiation updates to Winston," he said.

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