PM won't comment on Sabin investigation

Prime Minister John Key has refused to comment on reports National MP Mike Sabin is under investigation by police but said he would be surprised if Mr Sabin was not at Waitangi this year as the local Northland MP.

Reports surfaced late last year police were investigating an assault complaint laid against Mr Sabin in Northland but neither he, the Prime Minister or Police have confirmed that.
Asked repeatedly about Mr Sabin yesterday, including when Mr Key learned of the allegations or whether Mr Sabin would be returning, Mr Key said he had nothing to say "at this time."

"If I have something to say on it I will, but I don't at this point."

He did not know if Mr Sabin, the MP for Northland, planned to attend Waitangi Day celebrations as part of National's delegation. However he would be surprised if Mr Sabin did not go as the local MP. "Let's wait and see." He had not spoken to Mr Sabin this year or other than when caucus met last year.

The Herald was told by National Party sources last year there are discussions about potential candidates in case of a byelection. Mr Key refused to comment on that also. Mr Sabin, 46, is also the chair of the law and order select committee in Parliament. He lives at Coopers Beach with his partner. He entered Parliament in 2011 after long-term Northland MP John Carter left. Police said they did not usually respond to queries about whether an investigation was going on. Mr Sabin did not return calls.