Hughes stripped of responsibilities amid controversy
Labour MP Darren Hughes has been stripped of his responsibilities amid controversy sparked by a complaint to police from an 18-year-old male student.
Labour MP Darren Hughes has been stripped of his responsibilities amid controversy sparked by a complaint to police from an 18-year-old male student.
Labour leader Phil Goff today said he had asked Mr Hughes to stand down from his roles as education spokesman and chief whip, pending the outcome of the police inquiry, and Mr Hughes agreed.
"There is now a public controversy around the complaint. I believe that that makes it impossible for Darren Hughes to do his job," Mr Goff said.
Mr Hughes, 32, was one of Labour's rising stars and was only recently promoted to the roles.
Mr Goff today defended his decision not to go public about the complaint when he first became aware of it two weeks ago.
"Firstly it would not help the police inquiry that was taking place because there would be a storm of controversy around it. Secondly it would not help Darren Hughes himself, who was innocent until proven guilty. And thirdly it would not help the complainant.
"I think that was the right judgment to make."
Mr Goff yesterday sent Mr Hughes on two weeks leave and would not comment on the substance of the complaint.
Police yesterday said the alleged incident happened in an inner-city Wellington suburb early in the morning of March 2 but would not reveal the substance of the complaint.
Sexual rumours are swirling around Parliament and it has been reported that Mr Hughes was drinking at two bars with a group of students, including the complainant, after a debate at Victoria University. The alleged incident happened later at Mr Hughes' home.
Mr Hughes yesterday identified himself as the subject of the complaint, saying he didn't want speculation to surround his colleagues.
He said he was confident that legal processes would "lead to the right outcome".
NZPA
Thu, 24 Mar 2011
Thu, 24 Mar 2011
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Hughes stripped of responsibilities amid controversy
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