Collins demotes Bridges over historic misconduct allegation

Public Policy / news

Judith Collins demotes leadership rival Simon Bridges over alleged misconduct dating back a number of years

24th Nov 21, 9:44pm by Jenée Tibshraeny

Judith Collins

National Party leader Judith Collins has demoted Simon Bridges over alleged misconduct in relation to comments he made to a female colleague at a function a number of years ago.

Bridges had been rumoured to be rallying support to overthrow Collins as leader. Speculation had escalated to the point the discussion in the media had centred around which side of Christmas the coup might occur.

Collins made the shock announcement on Wednesday night, saying the party wouldn't tolerate harassment and intimidation under her leadership.

Collins released the following statement:

"This evening, with unanimous support of the board of the National Party, Simon Bridges, Member for Tauranga, has been demoted and relieved of his portfolio responsibilities.

"The decision follows an allegation of serious misconduct relating to Simon Bridges’ interaction with a caucus colleague.

"The case relates to comments made by Mr Bridges to a female caucus colleague at a function a number of years ago.

"Having been made aware of the seriousness of the complaint for the first time and the ongoing distress this has caused the complainant, I was left with no option but to immediately demote Simon Bridges and relieve him of his portfolio responsibilities.

"This decision has not been made lightly. However, the seriousness of the situation demands a swift and decisive response.

"Under my leadership, the National Party will not tolerate harassment and intimidation of any person.

"Members of Parliament and staff should be able to conduct their duties at all times without feeling unsafe or intimidated, and all deserve to be treated with absolute respect by their colleagues in all situations."

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93 Comments

by Nifty1 | 24th Nov 21, 9:51pm 1637743913

What a mess National is...

by HouseMouse | 24th Nov 21, 9:58pm 1637744293

As much as Labour were before they stumbled on their Saviour...

by custard | 24th Nov 21, 10:43pm 1637747007

Although unlike Labour at that point – National’s current leader hasn’t and probably never will publicly acknowledge she simply can’t win the next election – making that next stumbled upon saviour a bit more difficult to find and install.

by tothepoint | 25th Nov 21, 6:50am 1637776258

Crusher Collins has teeth……

And they’re the softest part of her.

TTP

by Waikatohome | 25th Nov 21, 8:35am 1637782537

I think Labour were fairly united under Andrew Little, the problem was he didn't appeal to the electorate. He then did the decent thing and put his party first by handing the baton to Jacinda. Either Collins lacks self awareness or she feels her political ambitions are more important than the National Party. Hardly the qualities desirable in a potential Prime Minister. I hope National can find someone who puts the Countries' needs before their own blind ambition.

by kpnuts | 25th Nov 21, 11:00am 1637791233

united yes -- rubbish and unappealign yes - capable no ---- have they delivered hell no --- but at least they were united !!

National is a disgrace --- so many easy areas to attack the government -- urgency , MIQ, Maoir vac rates -- mandates --- so easy -- but no its gogint o be all about their infighting -- letting the country down -- Seymour to be at 20%+ in the next poll!

by Zack Brando | 24th Nov 21, 11:52pm 1637751157

I DO NOT want New Zealand to FAIL !! -- if that's even our countries real name !?

Wouldn't it be NICE to have an opposition that actually opposed some of the nuttiness going on?

Here's an idea; Less Coup, More Do !! How about working as a team to do right by New Zealand(ers) - don't National MPs get that !?

by Te Kooti | 25th Nov 21, 9:27am 1637785659

You're actually clinging to the third name, the second name was Nieuw Zeeland.

by Brock Landers | 25th Nov 21, 9:38am 1637786282

What was the first one?

by Cobolt24 | 25th Nov 21, 9:59am 1637787556

Maori generally adopted the name Niu Tireni, a transliteration of New Zealand for the name of the country. Various sources cite Te Ika a Maui (the fish of Maui) as a widely used name for the North Island.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/blogs/opinion/205670/i-Aotearoa-a-European-hoax…

by Te Kooti | 25th Nov 21, 11:08am 1637791722

You genuinely have that little knowledge of the country you live in?

by JimboJones | 25th Nov 21, 6:24am 1637774641

why do they think their only leadership options are the 2 most disliked politicians in NZ? Why not go with someone who might not be famous but at least isn’t hated? Reti, Bishop, etc

by Sam B | 25th Nov 21, 9:38am 1637786299

Reti is interesting. He seems competent and popular with the public, but not ambitious for leadership. Very sensible given that the National caucus is a bag of snakes, making yourself a target is a bad idea. It wouldn't be that surprising if he fell into the leadership by virtue of not being a factionalist.

by Contrarian | 25th Nov 21, 10:01am 1637787710

Time National is sold to ACT. Key can work out a good deal ?

by Warwick D | 25th Nov 21, 12:25pm 1637796329

Damned if you do and damned if you don't here. If she had not done anything then she risked the perception of condoning inappropriate behaviour but by acting so quickly she has incurred the wrath of both the media and vested interests on the basis of personal political expediency or alternatively not providing Bridges fair access to natural justice. The end for both I would say.

by Waikatohome | 25th Nov 21, 12:49pm 1637797741

From what is reported there wasn't any inappropriate behaviour. He was discussing attempts to conceive a baby girl. Sex between consenting adults (in this case a man and his wife) is generally not considered to be an offensive activity.

by Warwick D | 25th Nov 21, 1:20pm 1637799608

Then someone needs to ask the complainant in the caucus why they brought it up now and what their definition of 'inappropriate' is!

by Waikatohome | 25th Nov 21, 1:25pm 1637799955

I am going by what Barry Soper said on Mike Hosking this morning. I suppose we wont know until the full story comes out. If it was something really bad you would have expected the Caucus to back Collins.

by Waikatohome | 25th Nov 21, 9:38pm 1637829539

Now I have seen the exact exchange it was a little more graphic and direct than was previously reported. I can see how she took offence at the time but strange timing to bring it up again now.

by HouseMouse | 24th Nov 21, 9:57pm 1637744261

Wow

by Noncents | 24th Nov 21, 10:00pm 1637744433

Convenient that it pops up now.

Guess ol' chrissy boy is the no 1 contender now.

He is as toxic as Collins, so I guess even more votes for the ACT chumps.

by streetwise | 24th Nov 21, 10:51pm 1637747488

Chris Luxton has that shiny lustre of polished righteousness that professed Christians exude, similar to Todd Muller but more so. I have a settled aversion to his type which I know is probably an irrational prejudice but there you go.

by Mrs The Point | 24th Nov 21, 11:21pm 1637749316

You mean like that lovely Christian fellow Collin Craig?

by Te Kooti | 25th Nov 21, 9:29am 1637785791

I'm with you, like Scott Morrison or Tony Blair. That arrogant smugness that comes from being your god's "chosen". It's a hard pass from me sorry.

by Sam B | 25th Nov 21, 9:42am 1637786547

Luxton would be Collins pt2. It's a type that the National party faithful adore but that repels the rest of the population: smug, smarmy, good at 'banter'. Very poor at empathising with or appealing to those who have never driven an Audi to an America's Cup party. Scott Morrison-esque, yes; essentially pointless.

by vman | 25th Nov 21, 10:36am 1637789819

Luxon insisted on being addressed as 'Christopher' when running Air NZ,since entering politics,he know calls himself "Chris",man of the people.He is a member of the Upper Room church which started in Tennessee in the 1930's.Take it from me,comments attributed to him during his time there left people in no doubt they were being led by a fundamentalist christian.Even his vaunted business acumen is over blown.He took over Air NZ during a sweet spot after Rob Fyfe & Ralph Norris did the hard yards turning the company around and developing the business and culture.Luxon took over just as the new fuel efficient 787's arrived,fuel prices at historical lows and at a time when Air NZ had NO competition on the NZ-USA route enabling them to monopolise the route and price airfares accordingly.He came from a FMCG (grocer) background so it was all about dollars and cent margins and as any high value Air NZ customer will tell you,he slowly unwound the product and service to save a buck,maixmise short term profits and in doing so,maximising his bonus payments.Then when headwinds appeared and it was obvious the 'easy' times were over,he bailed to ensure he wasn't at the helm during a downturn...so in short,a clever man,but most of it in self centered ego driven way...God save us as he would say...

by Contrarian | 25th Nov 21, 11:28am 1637792939

Read Key ?

by itsme | 25th Nov 21, 8:16am 1637781384

The only genuine politician National has had in recent times has been Simon Power. He resigned because he could see the party heading for the rocks !!!

by youngdumbandfullofit | 24th Nov 21, 10:03pm 1637744618

Given it was so serious the first the leader of the opposition heard of it caused an immediate action and demotion, then what on earth was going on with the standard processes before it got to her in the last few years? Either a huge failing on whoever was confided in by the complainant prior, or a suring up of Judith against any leadership challenges.

I'm guessing a convenient mix of the two for talofa Judith.

by Mark L | 24th Nov 21, 10:20pm 1637745608

The nats need to appeal to women voters to have any chance. N Willis maybe?

by HouseMouse | 24th Nov 21, 10:28pm 1637746112

N Willis is similar to J Ardern for me. On first impressions, articulate and presents well. Dig beneath the surface, and limited depth.

The Nats made the mistake of disenfranchising their liberal, centrist MPs who were rising up the ranks a couple of years back.

by Mark L | 24th Nov 21, 10:51pm 1637747504

Don’t know much about her other than she looks the part required to appeal to those women voters. None of the other nats on offer will do that and just about guarantee Labour another term! If there are others I haven’t seen them.

by frazz | 25th Nov 21, 7:55am 1637780142

by Mark L | 24th Nov 21, 10:51pm

"Don’t know much about her other than she looks the part required to appeal to those women voters"....I am outraged as such comments...men find her appealing too but yes let's judge competence on looks ah.

by Foxglove. | 25th Nov 21, 8:09am 1637780965

Did they what. And what a trail of malcontent & venality emerged. Gilmour, Barclay, Ross (Dowie,) Walker (Boag,) Falloon, Adams & Kaye followed their toys out the window, and of late even veterans Smith & Muller misbehaving for good measure. Sorry state of affairs. The party appears disinclined to summon up an iota of credibility or respectability. Collins is unelectable, full stop. Now the rats are really out of the haystack and running, someone in National has to play the piper & lead all the children, don’t they.

by Sam B | 25th Nov 21, 9:49am 1637786947

It's too easy to win National seats in the provinces, they end up with some absolute liabilities in their caucus. But what sane person with other options in life would want to be a National MP right now? This is why they *need* someone new in charge to set the tone; forget about elections for a minute, they need to create an environment where marginally competent individuals will be willing to work in and for their party. It's not happening til there have been a lot of resignations; very stubborn people are managing the party. ACT is eating their lunch for no reason other than National's managerial incompetence.

by muzled | 25th Nov 21, 11:06am 1637791585

That's pretty accurate about the managerial incompetence Sam B, and it starts right at the top with Peter Goodfellow, who announced there would be sweeping changes on the last election night.

And what'd they do? They re-elected him as president of the party...

by wewillsee | 24th Nov 21, 10:30pm 1637746211

I am not a huge fan of any politician, but isn't judgement based on allegation slightly against western values and and opening the door to easy political assassination. Or was there some sort of actual investigation and due process they just aren't reporting on?

by TainuiBabe | 24th Nov 21, 10:46pm 1637747179

What's wrong with Mark Mitchell as leader? He is an experienced Minister of Defence, young enough to look good as PM and experience to boot! I like him!

by Mark L | 24th Nov 21, 11:01pm 1637748061

You may be right but he like the other men suggested won’t win an election up against J A.

by MLSmith1 | 25th Nov 21, 6:45am 1637775949

They don’t have to win… labour is losing the voters confidence… it’s about where those lost votes go to

by HouseMouse | 24th Nov 21, 11:10pm 1637748659

Yes I think he's quite good too. I quite like Chris Bishop, although I don't think he's Leader material.

by wortho | 25th Nov 21, 12:21am 1637752915

Well I wonder, I too like Chris Bishop and while you say he may not be “leadership material”, I actually do think he’s pretty well connected to what’s going on at public taxpayer level. He’s got my vote. Typically MSM don’t even suggest him.

by kpnuts | 25th Nov 21, 11:05am 1637791542

maybe not --- but louise upston - chris penk - nicola willis --- time to completely wipe out hte old gaurd and rebuild with a younger lot --- doesnt matter about experience and leader material --- serving fish and chups was enough - they only need to be united at this stage and attack teh governments failings --- which is not exactly hard to do !

by Sam B | 25th Nov 21, 9:50am 1637787048

He used to be a mercenary. That would disqualify him for many people.

by custard | 24th Nov 21, 10:24pm 1637745896

This all seems a very odd response to what at this stage is simply described as allegations.

So I wonder just who are the real alligators in this little machination-like swamp.

by tim52 | 24th Nov 21, 10:37pm 1637746634

Are meant to understand this as the board (other shadow identity) covered up the misconduct and sat on it until Simon refused to play ball and then got rid of him? They let him become the leader first too (the risk of the allegation was sitting there the whole time so the board must have been in control of it).

This along with the history of poor behavior of junior MPs might lead some to believe that there is a dossier of bad behavior to get rid of anyone who challenges the board.

What scummy party. No wonder they are struggling, they wont let anyone run for election they can't control.

by sharetrader | 24th Nov 21, 10:30pm 1637746228

how long has she sat on this detail to use when it comes time for him to try to get the leadership back by rolling her.

this shows how toxic it is inside the national party and why ACT is soaking up all there voters.

by Galloleous | 24th Nov 21, 10:45pm 1637747129

Lol this feels like digging back 10 years through someone's tweets to find some convenient dirt.

RIP National

by profile | 24th Nov 21, 10:46pm 1637747202

Is that the best file photo you could pick out Jenee? Why doesn't the team of $55 million just do a Beria and air brush her out altogether?

by kiwikidsnz | 25th Nov 21, 6:00am 1637773237

The best file photo for this is surely the one of JC praying...

by Carlos67 | 25th Nov 21, 10:22am 1637788963

Collins is just a bit of red lipstick away from the Joker in Batman.

by Noncents | 25th Nov 21, 10:39am 1637789972

Except more people like the Joker.

by custard | 24th Nov 21, 10:49pm 1637747366

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/simon-bridges-demoted-following-serious-m…

“The MP who laid the complaint against Simon Bridges is understood to be Jacqui Dean. It is understood to relate to crude comments Bridges made in front of several people, about five years ago.Dean complained about it at the time and Bridges was spoken to. Bill English was the leader of the party at the time.”

About five years ago - really!?!

by Waikatohome | 25th Nov 21, 8:06am 1637780776

Jacqui Dean once supported the banning of dihydrogen monoxide (water) as she thought it was a dangerous drug. She is clearly a person of sound judgement, not at all likely to make a knee jerk reaction to a situation.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/mp-tries-to-ban-water/XM4GJ7XG3WC4ANBIFP2IVFNANE/#:~:text=Otago%20MP%20Jacqui%20Dean%20felt%20like%20a%20bit,out%2C%20is%20the%20chemical%20name%20for%20ordinary%20H20.

by In Vino Veritas | 25th Nov 21, 10:43am 1637790196

Custard, it seems that Dean OVERHEARD a conversation between Bridges and two other men that included a crude conversation regarding how to conceive a girl. Firstly, Dean should have turned, walked away and left it at that. Secondly, when she complained to Collins, Collins should have said "you have to be kidding me. Get lost". If Dean had leaked anything, then sack her, and don't allow her to put her name forward as a National candidate. Job done.

Lastly, you do not sack someone for making crude comments in a private conversation. Collins has jumped the shark.

by Carlos67 | 25th Nov 21, 11:04am 1637791457

Just google how to conceive a girl, its hardly a secret and is all over the net so is it really even a crude conversation ? Collins must have really gone digging for the dirt on this on to try and upset the upcoming coup. Collins is gone burger.

by Waikatohome | 25th Nov 21, 11:46am 1637793995

I just followed your advice. It’s on the Healthline website and is called the Shettles method. What century are they living in if they find baby making offensive? Was Bridges effectively sacked for discussing sleeping with his own wife? I suppose it is surprising behaviour given the recent track record of National MPs.

by Carlos67 | 25th Nov 21, 12:34pm 1637796875

Collins is gone in less that 1.5 hours after my post.

by streetwise | 24th Nov 21, 11:11pm 1637748664

National can now be seen as a party of Lame Ducks: 'The National Party of Lame Ducks', or the NPLD Party

IncidentalIy, I must commend the NZ Herald for 'taking in' some of these unfortunates, both past and present MPs, by allowing them to write ineffectual spiteful columns criticising the current government. In this regard, the Herald is like those nice old ladies who take care of injured birds or orphaned cats.

by the way | 24th Nov 21, 11:24pm 1637749498

Judith "I stab people in the front" Collins

by Dave Moderato | 24th Nov 21, 11:28pm 1637749703

Interesting. But I can now see Bridges front footing this tomorrow. To bring it to a head.

by solardb | 24th Nov 21, 11:58pm 1637751533

I could understand repeated harrasment been looked into after 5 years , but one remark at a function , for which he apologised later ???

Plus the timing, same day as the Kiwirail CEO resigning, for what appears to be more widespread and serious bad conduct , jumping on the bandwagon to make it look legitimate??

by Roark78 | 25th Nov 21, 1:32am 1637757131

There only one person who looks bad here Judith… it ain’t Simon

by Feijoa | 25th Nov 21, 2:07am 1637759248

I thought that the National Party opposed cancel culture?

I guess that can’t be true. They just cancelled Simon Bridges.

by Cobolt24 | 25th Nov 21, 12:24pm 1637796299

I don't call this cancel culture, this is just backstabbing for her own benefit.

by Uh Oh | 25th Nov 21, 2:59am 1637762371

Seriously what is happening in the beehive?

Labour's got power drunk, locking up aucklanders for 3 months for you know... living... and trampling the bill of rights right now - with open criticism from professors in law and the house speaker himself!, it's unbelievable that there aren't riots

The fact credible experts are critiquing the bill says something is very very wrong

People have the right to freedom and also the right to refuse medical treatment it spells this out clearly in the bill of rights.. ostracising them for it and then making it law is a direct contradiction

Jacindas trained the media to be good puppies and not ask difficult question or hold them accountable which is a disgrace

What a circus...

by AndrewRiddell5886 | 25th Nov 21, 6:09am 1637773782

You seem to be ignoring the right of everyone to be kept safe in a pandemic.

by Pa1nter | 25th Nov 21, 6:20am 1637774426

Bugger that, injections are owie.

by Uh Oh | 25th Nov 21, 1:02pm 1637798579

No I'm vaccinated and get it, but there is risk in everything in life - prior to covid we accepted 550 people dying every year from the normal flu with no issues

The people who want protection are getting vaccinated, the ones who don't - won't....

My issue is more around ostracising people who exercise their basic rights, you can still mitigate risks without taking their freedoms away

by Uh Oh | 25th Nov 21, 3:00am 1637762454

We need Judith out, she is ineffective and will not win an election, she has minority parties taking her votes.. clearly she's threatened, but she needs to step back and open it up to someone willing to make a positive mark

We also need labour out as they are destroying businesses and also taking away basic human rights as well as ostracising people who exercise their basic rights

by Brock Landers | 25th Nov 21, 5:41am 1637772067

Who can remember anything after five years?

Oravida certainly couldnt remember busting any fuel pipeline while digging for swamp kauri to ship off to China.

Talofa!

by AndrewRiddell5886 | 25th Nov 21, 6:04am 1637773461

"Under my leadership, the National Party will not tolerate harassment and intimidation of any person." is a textbook do as I say, not as I do statement.

by Waikatohome | 25th Nov 21, 6:11am 1637773902

Collins appears to be scuttling the good ship National. If she can’t have it, no one can.

by Uninterested | 25th Nov 21, 7:20am 1637778052

I am a guy. I have worked in a female workplace. I was subject to the odd sexist raunchy comment.

I liked working there even more. I was not a victim.

by mfd | 25th Nov 21, 10:50am 1637790652

There may be reasons we cannot extrapolate from your experience to the rest of the human race - perhaps talk to a few women and see if they feel similarly. Some might, of course, but I know some would not. I'm not saying you should have felt victimised, but it's not up to you to tell others how to react to sexist comments.

by FCM | 25th Nov 21, 7:27am 1637778455

if this was a game of Chess, I think Collins just made the wrong move. Going down in the polls, Down in leadership ratings, sees a threat and has tried to remove it on a 5 year old incident that has already been dealt with, smells of desperation.

by Sam B | 25th Nov 21, 9:53am 1637787214

yes, extremely stupid. Her goose is cooked. Only question is whether any of her long-term backers are willing to go down with her.

by FCM | 25th Nov 21, 8:17am 1637781463

So the Nats are fast becoming the rights green party...On one side labour and greens...other ACT with the Nats..Maori party in the middle...and maybe we will see NZ First emerge again.

by Kate | 25th Nov 21, 9:02am 1637784145

I suspect there will be a resignation or two once the dust settles.

Next two on the National Party List are:

22 Jonathan Young - New Plymouth

23 Tim Macindoe - Hamilton West

by sharetrader | 25th Nov 21, 9:21am 1637785260

judith will do a muldoon and sit on the backbench taking potshots at the new leader

by napierboy | 25th Nov 21, 9:15am 1637784905

Merry Christmas Jacinda!

Love, the National Party.

by False economies | 25th Nov 21, 9:57am 1637787477

Could this be a deliberate play by Collins to get ousted? Means she doesn't have to resign and the incoming leader looks clean and strong (epending on who it is?) drawing a line under it all...?

by pankers | 25th Nov 21, 10:33am 1637789617

Was a National supporter now Act Supporter

by vman | 25th Nov 21, 10:48am 1637790523

Scary...imagine if ACT gets in with the current numbers...the criticism of Labour not having experienced politicians to run the country would be amplified with ACT...who could really name anyone in their party after Seymour & the gun lobby...they are like NZ First...just swap Seymour for Peters...they are a one trick pony.

by EpsomArtsandCrafts | 25th Nov 21, 10:48am 1637790502

Disappointing what is happening to National. In looking for the best person to be leader some of you might need to put your Christian discrimination aside and look at Chris Luxon's CV and skill set which speaks for itself.

by pankers | 25th Nov 21, 10:54am 1637790885

Agreed but to early for Luxon, But nearer to election, just put the Bridgeman as a temp

by Warwick D | 25th Nov 21, 12:32pm 1637796775

They will only make one change in leadership before the next election and if it were to be Bridges then look forward to yet another term for Labour for sure.

by Ian w | 25th Nov 21, 11:30am 1637793037

This is beautifully done. Collins discredits herself even further - opens the way for a loss of confidence vote which she'll lose . Chris Luxon doing great work on three waters, and less pc oriented will be grabbed with both arms to restore party mojo. The world is suddenly looking more positive.

by napierboy | 25th Nov 21, 11:49am 1637794181

Chris Luxon would be worse than Todd Muller as leader. Doesn't have any charisma, it would just boost the ACT vote because the faster thinking Seymour would just run rings around him every day.

by solardb | 25th Nov 21, 11:54am 1637794457

Yup, that's Collins to a tee.

by Carlos67 | 25th Nov 21, 12:32pm 1637796724

Judith Collins is gone burger, thats the fastest prediction I have made. Took a couple of hours to come true.

by Contrarian | 25th Nov 21, 12:45pm 1637797556

Is it lunch time yet ?

by custard | 25th Nov 21, 1:04pm 1637798695

There simply has to be more to this than meets the eye – something about it all is very odd – will see what Simon has to say – otherwise might need to wait for the tell-all books once the respective players saddle up and head off to the sunset.