MALLARD: I DID NOT CONNECT COMPLAINTS TO MAN Proceedings were brought against Mallard by a parliamentary staffer, who said he felt bullied out of Parliament by the Speaker after Mallard falsely described allegations of “sexual assault” as rape. Mallard had been discussing a complaint of a “sexual assault” contained in the Debbie Francis review of Parliament on Radio NZ in 2019, when he said he interpreted that as rape. “We are talking about serious sexual assault, well that, for me, that is rape. That is the impression I get from the report,” Mallard said.
ROBERT KITCHIN/Stuff
Trevor Mallard faced a tough reception from National MPs who have been calling for his resignation.
Barry Soper: Trevor Mallard should resign for his disgraceful behaviour
Trevor Mallard. (Photo / NZ Herald)
Barry Soper: Trevor Mallard should resign for his disgraceful behaviour
OPINION
Trevor Mallard should resign from The Speaker s job before he faces a vote of no confidence when Parliament resumes sitting in February.
National s lost confidence in him and Labour, the party that preaches well-being and kindness, surely will have no choice but to vote against his continuing in the role.
It s been confirmed that the almost $334,000 in legal costs have been paid out by the taxpayer. Why? Well Mallard had the rules changed after he made his outrageous comment to protect him from having the pay the bill for something he clearly knew would go against him.
Beehive Diaries: Speaker Trevor Mallard, the legal bills and the H word
11 Dec, 2020 02:42 AM
5 minutes to read
Barry Soper s interview with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Video / Mark Mitchell
What s good for the goose is good for the Mallard The word hypocrite is banned in Parliament, but not in Beehive Diaries and Speaker Trevor Mallard has found himself charged with it after he settled a defamation case against him for describing a former staffer s actions as amounting to rape .
Mallard settled the case out of court, but would not reveal any further details, saying it was subject to a non-disclosure agreement.