1 Apr 2022

National Party deputy leader on youth wing member abusing politicians

From Morning Report, 7:23 am on 1 April 2022

Once again questions are being raised about the culture of the National Party - this time in the party's youth wing.

Two members of the Young Nats have been linked to a campaign of online trolling of female politicians.

A false social media account has been traced to Bryce Beattie's home and his flatmate Jessee Mackenzie has revealed he is behind the account.

The leaders of the National Party have condemned the harassment as appalling.

Labour MP Megan Woods was one target of the abuse.

Woods says it's not just women on the left who are subject to this kind of abuse.

Bryce Beattie and the Young Nats are not giving interviews, but National Party Deputy Leader Nicola Willis is.

She spoke to Susie Ferguson.