Key backs Hide despite vendetta claims

Act Party leader Rodney Hide. Photo / Daily Post

Prime Minister John Key says he still has confidence in Rodney Hide despite claims the Act Party leader ran a vendetta against his former deputy.

"Obviously the last few days have demonstrated there are some issues inside the Act Party but his work as a minister has been good and effective," Mr Key said this morning in Auckland.

Act supports the government on confidence and supply.

He said he hadn't spoken to Mr Hide about leaked documents in which Mrs Roy describes Mr Hide as a bully and claims he was running a vendetta against her.

Mr Key said the breakdown in the relationship between the pair was regrettable.

"That happens in politics In the end that's a matter for Act, they're a completely different political party. In their capacity as ministers we work very effectively with them."

He said the ructions within Act would not not affect the working relationship.

"They've been reliable, they've supported us in virtually all of the bills that have gone through parliament. They've been a very reliable partner and we would want to work with them in the future if that opportunity presents itself."

Speaking following the opening of a Transpower substation at Otahuhu, Mr Key said a decision on standing a strong candidate to campaign against Mr Hide in Epsom next year would be made closer to the election.

National had campaigned for the party vote in the electorate in 2008, allowing Mr Hide to win Epsom and take his party into parliament.

"There are alot of factors to take into consideration," Mr Key said. "We have a strong working relationship with the Act Party and I'm sure they're going to work hard to put back the pieces of the puzzle and put themselves where they can campaign strongly.

The prime minister also said he was not fazed by suggestions New Zealand First leader Winston Peters may run against him in the Helensville electorate.

"If he wants to put his hat in the ring then good luck to him. We're happy for all comers in the election."