KEY POINTS:
The neutrality of the public service has been questioned after the exposure of a politically inflammatory email sent in the run-up to Labour's Dunedin South selection meeting.
In an email to an electorate agent, Lynne Renouf, the Beehive office manager for Labour chief whip Tim Barnett, said the Government was "on the ropes" and needed the experience of former minister David Benson-Pope.
Unfortunately, she made a classic email error - and sent it to the agent of a National Party MP, instead of the Labour MP she had intended.
The case has drawn accusations the public service has strayed from its strict obligation of neutrality.
As office manager for Barnett, Renouf is hired and paid for by Parliamentary Services and is not meant to be engaged in any overt political involvement.
The statement of intent for Parliamentary Services reads: "Although the Parliamentary Service operates in a political environment, the service must be neutral in its outlook and service provision."
Renouf refused to comment, but confirmed she had written the email and realised the content posed difficulties in the role she holds.
The email begins with an invitation to a Public Service Association meeting, of which Renouf is a delegate. It is sent from Renouf's parliamentary email, and signed off by her as office manager for Barnett.
The email was accidentally sent to Katherine Rich's Dunedin office, and the agent declined attendance in her reply.
Renouf then states: "Big weekend for your fella?" in reference to yesterday's Labour Party selection contest in Dunedin.
"Hope it all goes well for David. Despite the sigh! oh sh..! events over the past year still think we would be silly to flick experience when on the ropes. The newcomers can try the List and earn some stripes."
The electorate agent replied: "I don't care either way. I work for Katherine Rich not David Benson Pope."
This case has brought condemnation from Act leader Rodney Hide, but Barnett said he was comfortable with the email because Renouf was acting as a PSA delegate at the time it was sent.
