The emerging Darren Hughes affair is a major blow for Labour - and could not come at a worse time for the struggling party and its leadership.
Mr Hughes, Labour's chief whip, is now on leave after it became public police are investigating him after a sexual complaint from an 18-year-old male
student.
The complaint was made after an alleged late-night incident on March 2 at the house of deputy leader Annette King. Mr Hughes boards at the house.
He had earlier taken part in the Victoria University Great Debate at the Hunter Lounge in Kelburn and media reports say he had a jovial time at bars afterwards.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges took part in the debate but left festivities about midnight and says he saw nothing untoward.
Mr Hughes has confirmed he is being investigated but insists he has done nothing wrong.
But this case is already bigger than Mr Hughes' actions alone
Questions are being asked as to why Labour leader Phil Goff waited until the media started asking questions before his MP took leave rather than standing him down immediately.
One can assume the Labour leadership was hoping the matter would stay out of the public arena - something that is always unlikely to happen when a police inquiry gets under way.
Given Mr Goff attacked National over its handling of the Richard Worth saga, his response has to be scrutinised.
Mr Goff insists he will hold Mr Hughes to the same standard he has demanded of others if police find any substance to the allegations.
But these words seem hollow given the time it has taken for him to act. His handling of this does nothing for his leadership.
This is a blow for Labour as it struggles to get traction against a rock solid National Government.
It will also be a blow for Mr Hughes. He was elected to Parliament at just 24 and has been seen as one of its brightest stars.
If Mr Hughes is innocent, his name must be cleared and he must be allowed to continue his job.
But the public expects our politicians to behave to the highest standards. If he is found guilty of any criminal offence, his political career must end.
