Little rejects Collins' criticism over Sepuloni stand-down

Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Labour leader Andrew Little has hit back at National MP Judith Collins for criticising him for standing Carmel Sepuloni down, saying Ms Collins was the last person he would go to for advice on managing conflicts of interest.

Ms Collins said Mr Little had let Ms Sepuloni down by removing her portfolio for something her mother was accused of. Although not normally an ally of Ms Sepuloni, she said "I always stand up for people who are being unfairly treated if I can possibly do it."

In response, Mr Little obliquely referred to Ms Collins' troubles over meetings with Oravida, the dairy export company her husband was involved in.

"If there is one MP who ought to know about conflicts of interest it's Judith Collins but she never abides by it."

He said Ms Collins' inference on the matter was "cheeky."

"Interesting as it might be, she's not someone from whom I would take advice on conflicts of interest." Told of his comments, Ms Collins said "oh dear, he just needs to man up and try and be a leader."

Mr Little has temporarily pulled Ms Sepuloni as social development spokeswoman because her mother had been charged with several counts of welfare fraud. Mr Little said in that role Ms Sepuloni would have had to deal with officials from the Ministry of Social Development - the ministry prosecuting her mother. Although she and her mother were not close, it would be inappropriate for her to questioning officials in such a case. "That is a conflict of interest." He said she will be fully reinstated when that process was over, whatever the outcome.

Mr Little has given the social development portfolio to Annette King in the meantime. Ms Sepuloni will take on roles including arts and culture until fully reinstated. Mr Little said he was satisfied with Ms Sepuloni's assurance she was unaware of the charges until approached by One News. He said she was not close to her mother.

Mr Little also said he was disappointed by another MP, David Cunliffe, who was fined for using his cellphone while driving. He said Mr Cunliffe told him about it before it emerged in the media, had shown him the ticket and he was satisfied Mr Cunliffe told him at the earliest opportunity. However, Mr Little later said he was aware the NZ Herald was asking about the story at the time.