Disgraced MP David Garrett is expected to resign from Parliament tomorrow, though he is yet to tell his colleagues.The list MP quit the Act Party last week after revelations that he acquired a passport using a dead child's identity in 1984. That followed
Disgraced MP David Garrett is expected to resign from Parliament tomorrow, though he is yet to tell his colleagues.
The list MP quit the Act Party last week after revelations that he acquired a passport using a dead child's identity in 1984. That followed the earlier revelation that he has a conviction for assault in Tonga.
Act leader Rodney Hide has said he expects Mr Garrett to quit but does not know when, or if, he will.
"I've explained to him that the people elected five Act MPs and that's what we need in Parliament...he's tending to his family and he wants to do the best thing for the Act Party and, certainly, for the John Key-led government."
Asked if that meant quitting, Mr Hide said yes.
Mr Hide said it was up to Mr Garrett whether he advised his former party before announcing his resignation.
The two men were talking daily.
Mr Garrett was sentenced by the courts and not convicted, Mr Hide said.
"There seems to be a sense in New Zealand that you have to keep paying a price."
Questions have been raised in Parliament about whether Mr Hide's behaviour -- in bringing Mr Garrett into Parliament knowing of his past - was ethical.
Mr Hide said he had told Mr Garrett he should be able to get on with his life and make a contribution.
"I don't think it's mutually exclusive that just because you have done something wrong in the past you can't form a view on how the justice system should operate and make a contribution to that."
In Parliament today Labour leader Phil Goff asked Prime Minister John Key whether Mr Hide upheld the highest ethical standards when he did not disclose that Mr Garrett had stolen the identity of a dead child.
Mr Key said Mr Hide had conducted his ministerial affairs to a high standard.
"In all of my dealings with him as a minister he has been honest and trustworthy with me."
Mr Key said he was not responsible for who political parties selected as candidates.
