Civil servant rules tweak 'clarification'

Rick Barker

Labour intends to "clarify" rules around public servants standing for Parliament but denies that is sparked by dismay at trade negotiator Tim Groser's decision to run for National.

Associate Justice Minister Rick Barker also rejected any suggestion Labour wanted the rules reviewed because it was miffed at Maori Party connections in the public service.

Mr Barker said there was a "tension" between ensuring there was an independent public service and the freedom of all people to have political views and stand for office.

He said civil servants in "quite senior positions" had in the past been giving a minister advice one day and then standing as a candidate for an opposition party.

He would not say if he was referring to any particular person, and said the review was aimed at no party.

"If the chief executive of an important ministry decided to stand for public office, it would compromise the independence of the public service."

Two Labour MPs, John Tamihere and Trevor Mallard, were last year forced into an embarrassing backdown after Labour Department employee Amokura Panoho quit her job after suggestions she had used her position to pressure people to join the Maori Party.

They also had to pay court costs of $7500 after she sued them for defamation.

She is now electorate secretary for co-leader Pita Sharples in Mr Tamihere's seat, Tamaki Makaurau.

Mr Groser's decision to resign as New Zealand's chief agricultural negotiator at the World Trade Organisation to be a National Party list candidate was met with cries of "betrayal" by Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton.

It also prompted swift criticisms from Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Labour has MPs in its own ranks who were public servants just before being elected, including Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia.

The Electoral Act says a public servant wanting to stand for Parliament should go on leave after nomination day, or sooner if the candidate would no longer be seen as independent.

The review is part of Labour's law and order policy released yesterday.