Connell's future on the line over Brash affair caucus leak

Brian Connell

Outspoken Rakaia MP Brian Connell's future is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the National Party's board today.

Mr Connell has denied leaking details of a caucus row over leader Don Brash's alleged affair with Business Roundtable deputy chairwoman Diane Foreman, but many in the party still blame him for it.

The leak forced Dr Brash to go public with his marriage difficulties - lifting the lid on his alleged affair - and destabilising his leadership.

National's board meet today in Wellington.

Party president Judy Kirk was last night silent about the meeting's agenda, but National sources said they understood Mr Connell's future would be discussed.

Mr Connell is not expected to face immediate sanction, but some of his colleagues believe he will face a fight to be reselected as a candidate at the next election.

But Mr Connell received a boost with his electorate rallying behind him with a vote of confidence.

The vote was put at a monthly meeting of about 60 local party members.

"It was put, it was carried. I won't say it was unanimous, but it was certainly a very strong endorsement," Mr Connell said.

He said he hoped to stand for National in 2008, but that would depend on local support.

"I will talk to my party people locally and if they want me to stand I will stand. If they don't I won't. As long as I have their support the fight is worth continuing."

He would not stand as an independent.

He said he had seen few signs yet of a concerted campaign by the party's hierarchy to lobby local members against him.

"I've heard a bit of talk about it by some, but that's why I suppose Monday night's vote of confidence is significant," Mr Connell said.

"It's a pretty clear message that this is our patch and we will decide how we deal with things."

Mr Connell said the electorate members had accepted he was not the source of the leak of the caucus ruckus to the Independent Financial Review.

- NZPA