18 Dec 2019

No evidence for sexual assault claims against ex-Labour staffer - report

From Checkpoint, 5:09 pm on 18 December 2019

An inquiry into complaints of sexual assault against a former Labour Party staffer has cast major doubt on the complainants' version of events.

The public airing of a range of allegations put serious pressure on the most senior party officials, and the Prime Minister Jacinda Adern, back in September.

She ordered two reviews - one from Maria Dew QC to look at the substance of the claims, and the other to look at how the party handled the whole situation.

Criticisms of party officials ultimately forced the resignation of Nigel Haworth as president at the height of the controversy.

The staffer at the centre of the allegations also resigned - but has always denied the sexual assault allegations.

The new Labour Party President, Claire Szabo, presented the findings at Parliament.

Ms Ardern says she's acknowledged the party failed to meet expectations, and has new leadership in place.

The complainants worked with Maria Dew on her investigation and were consulted about how much of the report would be made public.

Ms Adern said the bulk of it would remain confidential, but defended releasing the executive summary.

RNZ political editor Jane Patterson has the details.