National MP Sam Uffindell has been stood down from the party's caucus while an investigation is done into further allegations of bullying raised by RNZ
. A woman has come forward claiming Uffindell bullied and intimidated her so badly at a student flat in Dunedin in the early 2000s she was forced to flee for her own safety.
In a statement issued late last night, Uffindell denied claims he engaged in "intimidatory or bullying" behaviour, but said there was a falling-out between flatmates.
The allegations follow revelations that the new Tauranga MP, as a teenager, beat up a younger boy at Auckland's prestigious King's College boarding school and was asked to leave.
The MP yesterday described himself as a 16-year-old thug but said he was now a changed person. RNZ has spoken to his former flatmate and her father.
They did not want to be named.
She said Uffindell engaged in a pattern of bullying fuelled by excessive drinking and would trash the house.