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Roy faces challenge as Act deputy

Act Party MP Heather Roy's deputy leadership role is expected to be challenged when the party holds its caucus meeting today.There were reports late last year that Ms Roy, who is Minister of Consumer Affairs and an Associate Minister of Defence and Educat

NZPA
Tue, 17 Aug 2010

Act Party MP Heather Roy's deputy leadership role is expected to be challenged when the party holds its caucus meeting today.

There were reports late last year that Ms Roy, who is Minister of Consumer Affairs and an Associate Minister of Defence and Education, had been involved along with fellow MP Sir Roger Douglas in a push to try to remove Rodney Hide from the leadership role.

Radio New Zealand reported that party president Michael Crozier had confirmed the deputy leadership role was likely to be discussed today.

Prime Minister John Key has previously said he would not have Sir Roger Douglas as a minister, meaning John Boscawen could be the one to pick up Ms Roy's number two position and at least some responsibilities as a minister outside Cabinet.

David Garret is the other Act MP.

The challenge last year was believed to be sparked by controversy over the international travel costs of Mr Hide's partner, and negative remarks he made about Prime Minister John Key -- for both of which he apologised .

None of the five Act MPs would be in Parliament if Mr Hide had not won the electorate seat of Epsom, something which exempts Act from the 5% party vote threshold. The party got 3.65%.

NZPA
Tue, 17 Aug 2010
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Roy faces challenge as Act deputy
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