Cunliffe: Divisions among National MPs over revelations

Labour leader David Cunliffe. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Differences among senior National Party members about how to handle the fallout from emails leaked from the Whaleoil blog are "becoming apparent", Labour leader David Cunliffe says.

Mr Cunliffe, who has arrived at Turangawaewae marae in Ngaruawahia for King Tuheitia's coronation celebrations was asked whether there were wide divisions among National Party MPs over revelations in Nicky Hager's book Dirty Politics.

"I think that is becoming apparent but you really need to ask Mr Key and Mr English," he said.

Asked what he thought of Deputy Prime Minister Bill English saying he didn't condone the politics Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater engaged in with National MP Judith Collins' help in revenge for him being targeted over his accommodation allowance, Mr Cunliffe again batted the question off for the Prime Minister to explain.

"That's a matter now for the Prime Minister because it would appear that there's a strong difference of view at the most senior levels of the National Party," he said.

Mr Cunliffe said Ms Collins would eventually "have to front up" and answer allegations surrounding her involvement with Slater.

He said it was up to New Zealanders to decide whether the fallout from the book would stain Mr Key's image.

"I don't think this will go away, I imagine there's quite a lot more to come out but look that is now a matter for the Prime Minister to front. It is his minister, his staff and his responsibility of office."