Darren Hughes is ' in a good place mentally'

Labour supporter Margaret Long. Photo / David Haxton

"Darren Hughes is a rock," according to family spokesman and uncle, prominent Levin businessman Davey Hughes.

Hughes said the family was amazed by the former MP's strength of character at such a stressful time.

"We admire him so much. The support from people here in his electorate has been overwhelming."

Davey said the allegations had shocked the family and he had received calls from several MPs - National and Labour - passing on their support.

He said his nephew was in a difficult spot and was likely to to lie low. "He's in a good place mentally. He's solid and we've heard from people who are with him that he's like a rock."

Hughes was due to be confirmed at an electorate meeting yesterday as Labour's candidate for Otaki.

Instead, his mentor and former MP Judy Keall presided over a gloomy gathering that resolved to offer him support.

Hughes was Otaki MP for two terms before losing to National's Nathan Guy and becoming a Labour list MP.

Labour supporter Margaret Long said he had been "a very good MP but I think the people who have been looking after him didn't give him time to mature."

And Karen Butterworth said: "It's sad, but wait and see."