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Barry Soper: PM's handling of assault allegations has been terrible

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 10 Sep 2019, 1:51PM
PM Jacinda Ardern. Photo / NZ Herald

Barry Soper: PM's handling of assault allegations has been terrible

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 10 Sep 2019, 1:51PM

There is disbelief the Labour Party hasn't learned from past mistakes.

Jacinda Ardern says she's concerned and frustrated, following reports of an alleged sexual attack on a 19-year-old Labour volunteer by one of the party's staff.

The party this year investigated seven formal complaints about the male staffer, but concluded no disciplinary action was warranted.

Political editor Barry Soper told Kate Hawkesby Labour's already been through this once with a Christmas party incident at Waihi.

He says it was badly handled, and ended with a young man in court.

Soper says these more recent allegations are much more serious.

“If you're told about complaints in the Labour Party, you should ask what the nature of the complaints are.

"If Ardern didn't ask that, she should've. The Prime Minister is looking like she has egg all over her face."

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