Cleared Mallard says sorry to Clarkson

The judges have ruled against the boxer in the blue corner, Tauranga MP Bob Clarkson, in his alleged stoush with Labour pugilist Trevor Mallard.

Last week, Mr Clarkson laid a privileges complaint with Speaker Margaret Wilson after an incident in the parliamentary debating chamber, where Mr Mallard allegedly hit him around the ears with a manila folder.

Mr Clarkson had earned the ire of Government MPs by displaying a sign that said "Corrupt people" and had an arrow pointing towards the Labour side of the House.

Yesterday, Ms Wilson rejected the complaint. It is understood her ruling was based on the fact that Mr Clarkson had not proved that the incident had obstructed or impeded him in discharging his duty as a member of Parliament, or that it arose from his conduct as an MP.

With that, the famously feisty Labour MP offered Mr Clarkson an olive branch in the form of the apology the Tauranga MP had asked for earlier in the week.

Mr Mallard said yesterday: "I am sorry if Mr Clarkson took offence at what was a jocular exchange."