Act's next-in-line supports Hide

Number six on the Act Party list, Hilary Calvert. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Hilary Calvert, the potential next Act MP, says she "unreservedly" supports party leader Rodney Hide and is ready for Parliament if she is called upon.

Ms Calvert, a Dunedin property lawyer, is number six on the Act Party list and would find herself in Parliament should MP David Garrett leave the House of Representatives.

Mr Garrett today resigned following a series of embarrassing revelations for the party's hardline law and order spokesperson, including an assault conviction and the admission he used a dead baby's birth certificate to obtain a false passport.

If he goes, Mr Hide will lose an ally, as the party is split between those who support the current leader and those who side with veteran MP Roger Douglas.

Act's latest controversy comes a month after the messy displacing of deputy leader Heather Roy amid allegations of bullying behaviour by Mr Hide.

Ms Calvert today said she "absolutely" supports Mr Hide.

"I think it is important, particularly in a small party like Act, that the leader has everyone's total support. And I would do that unreservedly."

While Ms Calvert said she would not comment on the controversies surrounding Mr Garrett, she said she was ready to become the party's fifth member in Parliament.

"I think it is time to get back to work and get Act Party politics in front of people," she said.

Ms Calvert said she believes government often gets too involved with its citizens' lives.

"I care most about the framework the Government provides for us all in New Zealand. As a democracy, it takes money from our citizens... it is important it uses the money wisely and for the best of us all."

Ms Calvert has been an Act Party member for 10 years, and said her experience as a lawyer would serve her well in Parliament.

"I think it can help you understand the role the Government plays in our lives, and what it is possible for government to do by legislation and what is not possible for government to do by legislation."

After the two blots on Mr Garrett's record were revealed this week and both Act leader Rodney Hide and Transport Minister Steven Joyce subsequently admitted past offences, Ms Calvert would not comment on whether or not she has any convictions.

"I'm not going to say I don't. I can't remember a speeding ticket," she said.

"I will have to have a proper think about it."