Details of complaint against Worth revealed

A Korean businesswoman has laid a complaint against Richard Worth with police. Photo / Martin Sykes

The person who complained to the police about former Government minister Richard Worth is an Auckland businesswoman, and her allegation is of a sexual nature.

The Herald has learned the woman approached a National MP's office "to update the PM" after going to the police two weeks ago.

A friend of the woman said last night that she was distressed but pleased police were investigating.

"She has faith in the police process and trust in the Prime Minister that nobody is above the law," the friend said.

The Herald has agreed not to reveal the identity of the woman, the friend, or her associates.

The friend said the Korean woman told him "she had reported to the police alleging inappropriate behaviour by a minister towards her".

The friend, who said he knew several MPs, including Prime Minister John Key, advised her to take the matter to the Government, and helped her to do so.

The Herald was told the alleged incident took place in Wellington, but the friend refused to confirm this last night, saying it was a matter for the police investigation.

Also last night, Labour leader Phil Goff revealed that he approached Mr Key a month ago with a complaint about "inappropriate" behaviour by Dr Worth towards a woman.

"It was offers of political positions [on boards] with the underlying sense that Dr Worth was interested in the woman, shall I say, romantically," Mr Goff said.

Dr Worth resigned yesterday as Internal Affairs Minister, saying only that he was quitting for "personal reasons".

And Mr Key would not disclose any details, saying that to do so could "contaminate" the police investigation.

He said he spoke to Dr Worth on Tuesday night about the Auckland woman's complaint, and would have sacked him had he not resigned.

"His conduct does not befit a minister, and I will not have him in my Cabinet," Mr Key said.

Of the allegations raised by Mr Goff, the Prime Minister said: "The assurance I had was that they were not correct. I had no reason to disbelieve that."

Mr Goff said the woman complainant in the case he took to Mr Key was "credible".