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Rangitata MP Andrew Falloon, pictured in Timaru on July 8, 2020, 12 days before his resignation over allegations of sending an indecent image.
A scandal involving former Rangitata MP Andrew Falloon was a dominating feature of July’s news writes Doug Sail, as we continue our series looking back on the year that was. Rangitata MP Andrew Falloon resigned in disgrace in July after it was revealed he had sent an indecent image to a young woman. The 37-year-old National Party MP, elected to Parliament in 2017, announced in a press release on July 20 that he would not be contesting the 2020 General Election, citing a need to maintain his health and wellbeing.
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A large crowd gathered to watch the Pleasant Point Christmas Parade. The parade has gained notoriety for its “politically incorrect” comedy floats alongside the regular Christmas parade entries from local businesses, schools and community groups although Friday night s event seemed tamer than usual.
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A float referencing the Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard using taxpayer money to settle a defamation lawsuit. Denton said she doesn’t think this reflects a change in the parade’s tone or that there are subjects people aren’t finding funny any more.
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A float referencing United States President Donald Trump’s claims of election fraud.
A year in politics
2020 was a punishing and relentless year in politics, both abroad and at home. We take a look back at the ‘unprecedented’ year.
It was a year which exhausted the word “unprecedented” and forever tainted the exhortation: “be kind”.
In early December, MPs went hard and early into the summer break as Parliament shut up shop for the year. Lucky for some.
January
The year 2020 began roughly a year ago. MPs were gearing up for the election with National in the box-seat to govern. Multiple polls had National ahead of Labour.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s daughter Neve Te Aroha Gayford plays at the feet of those sitting near the pae.
It s been an ugly year for New Zealand politics but there are grounds for optimism in 2021 msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Andrew Falloon (file photo).
Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The former MP for Rangitata resigned in July after it was revealed a student s parents had contacted the office of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to complain she had been sent a sexually explicit image by him.
The initial allegation did not result in charges, but National Party leader Judith Collins said she was subsequently contacted by five other complainants and had referred them to police.
In a statement today, police said they had made a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by Collins and the initial complainant relating to the sending of unsolicited images.