16 Sep 2019

Independent review to look at Labour Party assaults fiasco

From Checkpoint, 6:08 pm on 16 September 2019

The scrutiny of Labour Party officials, and potentially Prime Ministerial staff and Ministers, over the sexual assault allegations has been broadened.

The Prime Minister has outlined a further review, to be carried out by an independent third party, as she continues to deal with the fallout of the scandal.

But the terms of reference, and potentially the resulting reports, won't be made public. Jacinda Ardern has been under fire for how party officials and senior politicians have responded to allegations against a former staffer, ranging from bullying to serious sexual assault.

The staffer has quit his position in the Leader's Office, and maintains his innocence.

And today one of the party officials who was on the original investigating committee has gone on the offensive over allegations made about his role.

RNZ political editor Jane Patterson has the story.