ACT leader Rodney Hide release a statement saying he had accepted David Garrett's resignation from the party.“New information that came to light regarding the affidavit David swore in his 2005 court case made it impossible to defend his position as
ACT leader Rodney Hide release a statement saying he had accepted David Garrett's resignation from the party.
“New information that came to light regarding the affidavit David swore in his 2005 court case made it impossible to defend his position as a member of the ACT caucus,” Mr Hide said.
“In light of this, it has become clear to David that it would be inappropriate for him to remain in his position as an ACT MP. As such, this morning he resigned from caucus and the Party.
Mr Garrett, who has been under fire following revelations he had an assault conviction from Tonga in 2002 and that he had also admitted to stealing a dead baby's identity to obtain a false passport, made the announcement late this morning to Radio New Zealand.
He said he was going to take two weeks' leave from Parliament to decide whether or not to stay on as an independent MP.
Potential replacements favour Roy
If Mr Garrett decides to stay in parliament as an independent, ACT's leadership struggle would be dead-locked at two-all.
But he chooses to resign from the house altogether, the ACT list would see him replaced by either Peter Tashkoff or Hilary Calvert.
NBR understands Ms Calvert favours Heather Roy, an ally of Sir Roger Douglas who was recently replaced as the party's deputy leader by John Boscawen, an ally of Mr Hide.
Accounts differ. Well-connected right wing blogger David Farrar maintains that Ms Calvert maintains good relations with Mr Hide.
However, there is no doubting where the second candidate stands. Mr Tashkoff is a strident critic of Mr Hide, launching frequent attact's on ACT's leadership via his personal blog.
