Judith Collins is distancing herself and her party from former candidate Jake Bezzant, calling his recent actions some of the "most disgraceful things" she's seen in politics.

The former party member, who ran for Upper Harbour at the 2020 Election, resigned this week after allegations surfaced he impersonated his former partner and shared explicit images of her online without her consent.

Bezzant denies the allegations, adding: "Personal relationship break-ups sometimes get messy. Two sides to every story."

Collins, who has largely gone to ground this week amid the Bezzant scandal and shock resignation of veteran MP Nick Smith over an employment inquiry, is now calling for a more rigorous selection process for the party.

Political commentator Shane Te Pou and Coast Day host Lorna Subritzky joined Francesca Rudkin to discuss this and the week's hot issues.

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