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Nats official who supposedly calls himself ‘Merv’ still in leadership
This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission
A senior National Party official accused of calling a talkback radio station to derail a candidate, still maintains a leadership role within the party.
Roger Bridge resigned as a member of the party’s board in August, following accusations that he called Newstalk ZB posing as a person called “Merv” to discuss his fellow national Nuwanthie Samarakone’s campaign to run for Auckland Central.
MARTIN DE RUYTER / THINGS
The leader of the National Party, Judith Collins, gives her answer to the most common concern raised on the electoral road, during an interview in The Nelson Mail.
Samarakone’s bid was unsuccessful, but she is still running to be Manurewa’s MP.
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But National Party general manager Greg Hamilton has confirmed to RNZ that Bridge has remained its chairman for the Canterbury and Westland region.
The phone call allegations were first raised on August 10 by Newshub, which reported that Bridge called Newstalk ZB host Marcus Lush as “Merv” to discuss the Samarakone campaign.
“She is already standing in Manurewa and I was ready to vote for her, but now I understand that she is going to Auckland Central, I am confused,” Merv told Lush.
RNZ / Anan Zaki
Bridge is shown here in a recent speech by Judith Collins at the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce.
After the Newshub story aired, National Party Chairman Peter Goodfellow said the board “thoroughly investigated and discussed the matter,” and Bridge resigned as a board member on Aug. 13.
“We all make mistakes, and this is an unfortunate situation for someone who has done many years of loyal service to the National Party,” Goodfellow said at the time.
“Mr. Bridge has been an effective contributor to the board table, our audit committee, and actively supported countless members, supporters, and the party at large.”
RNZ has requested further comments from the National Party.
