Richard Worth was given an ultimatum by colleagues to find his own "retirement route" or be forced out of the National caucus and even the party itself.
Dr Worth's resignation as an MP yesterday followed 10 days of his refusing to budge after it was revealed he was under police
investigation following a serious sexual allegation by a Korean businesswoman. Prime Minister John Key called Dr Worth's resignation a "sensible course of action in the circumstances".
Dr Worth is still facing the prospect of criminal charges relating to a night he spent with the Korean businesswoman in a hotel room in Wellington in March.
Police are due to formally interview Dr Worth about the woman's allegation, and last night refused to say if this had happened.
The woman's friend, who helped her go to police and to the office of National MP Tau Henare so Mr Key could be informed, told the Weekend Herald Dr Worth's resignation was "the only way". The friend said the woman had gone to ground but would carry on with her police complaint.
"To be fair, Richard will have his day to say."
Dr Worth resigned as a minister when confronted by Mr Key over the allegation last Tuesday night, staving off being sacked.
His statement yesterday said "my conscience is clear" and "I have not committed any crime".
"Like most of us, if we are honest, I may at times during my life have said and done things which, when analysed in the cold light of day, may seem to be unwise. Like any other citizen I am entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty."
The retiring MP said his wife Lynne and family including daughter Virginia were standing beside him and praised their "loyalty and love".
The Weekend Herald understands Dr Worth was told by fellow MPs that if he returned to Parliament when two weeks enforced leave ended next week, they would vote to suspend him from caucus. He was also told his party membership could be suspended, a rarely used but symbolic measure.
Dr Worth has spent the past nine days dogged by a separate allegation from Labour that he bombarded another woman, Neelam Choudary, with sleazy texts.
Mrs Choudary was revealed as a party stalwart whose husband is a convicted immigration fraudster and has so far not produced any of the texts as evidence.
Labour leader Phil Goff, who led the attack on the basis of the texts, said the party would drop the issue now Dr Worth was no longer an MP.
A list MP, Dr Worth will be replaced by the next on the list, Cam Calder.
Mr Key has refused to say what it is about Dr Worth's behaviour that resulted in him losing confidence in him.
Richard Worth (left) lost the confidence of Prime Minister John Key. Photo / Supplied
Richard Worth was given an ultimatum by colleagues to find his own "retirement route" or be forced out of the National caucus and even the party itself.
Dr Worth's resignation as an MP yesterday followed 10 days of his refusing to budge after it was revealed he was under police
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.