1 Dec 2018

Barry denies bullying claims

2:36 pm on 1 December 2018

National MP Maggie Barry is insisting she has been cleared of bullying claims made by her former staff.

National MP Maggie Barry supports National MP Amy Adams as she announces she will stand for National Party leader.

National MP Maggie Barry said she was cleared by Parliamentary Services over bullying claims. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The Herald is reporting today that several staff have claimed Ms Barry swore at her staff and required them to work on National Party material even though they are employed by the non-political Parliamentary Service.

In a statement, Ms Barry said an investigation by Parliamentary Services found no bullying or harassment occurred.

She said she has constructive and positive relationships with employees.

This follows accusations from several women that rogue MP Jami Lee-Ross harassed them.

The Retirement Commissioner Diane Maxwell has this week also rejected accusations of bullying.

In September Labour MP Meka Whaitiri was stripped of her ministerial responsibilities after an altercation with a staff member.

Speaker Trevor Mallard announced this week he's holding a review into bullying and harassment of staff at Parliament.