Jacinda Ardern needs to really, genuinely ask herself an honest question which is whether she s prepared to tolerate this sort of behaviour from the Speaker. To have a Speaker turn up, having settled with someone who he falsely accused of rape - and then continue this attack has just really brought his position into disrepute.
Bishop called on Ardern to act on Mallard s behaviour. Jacinda Ardern does honestly need to ask herself if she s prepared to tolerate this sort of behaviour, he said. If the shoe was on the other foot, if this was a National Party Speaker, what would she be doing? She d be calling for his resignation.
Claire Trevett: Parliament s great tie-breaker and why Rawiri Waititi got no support from Labour s Māori MPs
10 Feb, 2021 04:00 AM
5 minutes to read
Trevor Mallard allows Rawiri Waititi to speak in Parliament despite lack of tie. Video / Parliament TV
Trevor Mallard allows Rawiri Waititi to speak in Parliament despite lack of tie. Video / Parliament TV
It has transpired that few things are more polarising in Parliament than ties and the number of days in a week. The issue over men and their ties was the first topic of conversation when MPs returned to Parliament.
Mallard had issued a ruling that neckties would remain in the dress code over summer after sounding out MPs.
Chris Bishop says Trevor Mallard s behaviour cannot go unpunished
Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
The Māori Party, ACT and the Greens will determine their positions on the motion at their caucus meetings this morning.
All political parties should reconsider if they re comfortable with Mallard retaining his role as Parliament s Speaker, Bishop said. We do not think Trevor Mallard s behaviour should go unpunished. he has damaged the integrity and the dignity of the Parliament and we think that other parties, particularly the Labour Party because they have the majority in the Parliament, should reflect on his behaviour and whether or not they are comfortable with him continuing to be the Speaker of the Parliament, Bishop said.
His behaviour is not up to the job : National prepares vote of no confidence in Speaker Mallard
Speaker Trevor Mallard. (Photo / NZ Herald) His behaviour is not up to the job : National prepares vote of no confidence in Speaker Mallard Sun, 7 Feb 2021, 10:23AM
The National Party is continuing its warpath against Speaker Trevor Mallard over his $330,000 settlement with the Parliamentary staffer he alleged was a rapist.
When Parliament resumes on Tuesday National leader Judith Collins will attempt a motion of no confidence in Mallard.
But the move is likely doomed because Labour s massive majority in the House means it can block the motion from being debated.