John Key was asked over the weekend how he reconcilled his view that Hone’s by-election is a waste of money (which I agree with) with his view that Jami-Lee Ross should have resigned from the Auckland Council, thus forcing a by-election (which I also agree with). His response was ironic to say the least…
“There’s been a long-held view in parliament that when you come in , really, you shouldn’t double-dip and be on two different organisations” – John Key, SST, 8 May 2011
I’ve long held the view that politicians shouldn’t “double-dip”, but it seems to be a new one for the National Party. Key, English and other senior Nats defended Sam Lotu-Iiga doing just that when he stayed on the Auckland City Council at the same time as he was an MP.
In fact the case against Lotu-Iiga’s double-dipping was even worse. During the time he was an MP and Councillor, he took part in parliamentary debates about the ‘super city’ legislation, a pretty clear conflict of interest if ever there was one. Shame Key didn’t hold the same position on double-dipping back then…