12 Jun 2009

Key 'washes hands' of Worth

11:35 am on 12 June 2009

Prime Minister John Key says he has "washed his hands" of National MP Richard Worth.

Mr Key says he has received a written summary of the alleged sexual harassment by Dr Worth of Labour Party activist Neelam Choudary.

Mr Key said that in her letter, Ms Choudary "forbids" him from discussing or releasing the matters discussed and Mr Key is respecting her wishes.

Asked if Dr Worth would be expelled from caucus next Tuesday when he is due to return to Parliament, Mr Key said it would not be an easy thing to do, but nor would it be impossible.

Earlier, Labour Party leader Phil Goff defended Ms Choudary's credibility, saying says had no political axe to grind and that there was never any effort to hide the fact she has close links to Labour.

Meanwhile, police are still investigating a separate sexual complaint against Dr Worth.