Williamson cools talk of byelection

By FRAN O'SULLIVAN

Outspoken MP Maurice Williamson has played down suggestions that he will fight a byelection as an independent if the National Party tries to expel him.

Loose comments by the rebel at a function on Saturday night renewed speculation that he and the party are heading for a showdown.

A source present at the function to celebrate the Howick & Pakuranga Times' 30th birthday said the MP was still smarting from his demotion to bottom ranking in National's caucus and "obviously had some nervousness they might try and expel him".

The source added: "He was straight out ... He said it in front of a whole table of people - 'If they try and push me out I will stand up and fight an election and I am quite confident I will win.' I've never seen him be so straight as that."

But Mr Williamson said the "private conversations" were not that definitive.

"My response was I don't even think it is an issue, but if it was I would have to consider what my options were.

"Of course those would be to just depart from politics ... because if your party throws you out you have to go from Parliament ... or, you have to contest a byelection.

"Those would be the only two options but it's just hypothetical. I don't even think it is an issue."

Manukau City councillor Sharon Stewart - who shared his table on Saturday - said Mr Williamsonwas "pretty heated up".

She said most people living in Howick and Pakuranga were more interested in what he was doing in the community than the "bit of nonsense that is going on behind the scenes there".

She added: "I guess at the moment Maurice is living and breathing it ... Anyway, I'm sure he will get on with his life."

National's Auckland Regional Division chairman, Scott Simson, said he had a long chat with Mr Williamson on Saturday and expected the "rumblings" to die down soon.

But Mr Williamson has emailed party president Michelle Boag warning her to desist from her claims that have "systematically undermined the party" or he will take action.

In an earlier email - a reply to a member of the public disgruntled about Mr Williamson's treatment - Ms Boag said he was not a contributing member of the National team.

But Mr Williamson says he has kept tapes of numerous voicemails from journalists during the campaign repeatedly asking him to contact them, but he had not spoken up until election night.

He has already relayed his concerns about the party's disastrous performance to Steven Joyce, a member of the team reviewing National's campaign.

In a two-hour session with Mr Joyce on Monday last week, the MP said he passed on "factual stuff - not personal" about the campaign.

The review team is expected to report by the end of the month. An executive summary is likely to be released.

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