One of the Government’s most senior members, Judith Collins, has resigned as a minister, three weeks before the election.
Prime Minister John Key made the announcement today at Parliament.
Ms Collins told a news conference that she has been the subject of a two-year smear campaign, and that she has always acted professionally.
She says she will cooperate with any investigation, and will spend her time campaigning to win her electorate of Papakura.
Ms Collins has been under pressure since the release of Nicky Hager’s book, Dirty Politics, over details she released to the Whale Oil blogger, Cameron Slater.
The email that has taken out Collins @ONENewsNZ pic.twitter.com/JzfQqRh6uo
— Michael Parkin (@Michael_Parkin) August 30, 2014
Prime Minister John Key says an email suggested that Ms Collins may have been involved in an conversation with a blogger aimed at undermining the then head of the Serious Fraud Office.
Mr Key says over the course of the six years he has been Prime Minister, he has dealt with each case on its facts, and this is a very serious allegation.
Key still won't condemn his party's links with Cameron Slater.
— Craig McCulloch (@rnzgallerycraig) August 30, 2014
He says he has made it clear to Ms Collins that if the Government is returned on September 20, she should not expect a cabinet post.
