National suspends outspoken MP

Brian Connell

National has today suspended Brian Connell, the MP who confronted party leader Don Brash about his private life.

The party's board resolved last Thursday that Mr Connell had again failed to show the restraint and discipline expected of a Caucus member, and it had no confidence in him, according to a statement released this morning.

"The suspension from caucus today comes as a result of Mr Connell's behaviour stretching back over the past few years," said Dr Brash.

"The final straw was Mr Connell's public comments after the last caucus about the discussions that took place at that meeting.

"The suspension remains in force until further notice. Mr Connell's future with the National Party is now in his own hands."

Mr Connell, a 46-year-old farmer and businessman, took over the Rakaia seat for National in the 2002 election after the former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley stepped down.

He confronted Dr Brash about his private life at a caucus meeting a fortnight ago. After reports of the meeting were leaked to a business newspaper, Mr Brash announced he was having marital difficulties, precipitating an avalanche of publicity.

It was not the first time that Mr Connell has confronted National's hierarchy.

Last November he was so disappointed at this lowly placement at the bottom of the party's rankings that he told local newspaper, the Ashburton Guardian, of his frustrations.

It led to a caucus row and Dr Brash read an apology from Mr Connell a few days later, although Mr Connell skipped a scheduled press conference with Dr Brash to go to the New Zealand Trotting Cup.

Suspension from caucus is a serious step to be taken against an MP. It means he is no longer a member of the team, will not be assigned any tasks by the party whips, and will be out in the cold in Parliament.

It does not mean he has become an independent MP. For that to happen, he would have to resign from the National Party.

Mr Connell told reporters today's suspension came as a complete surprise.

Dr Brash had not expressed any concern to him about his behaviour in the past fortnight.

"I've had no correspondence or discussion with anyone in the caucus in a senior position or on the board," Mr Connell said.

He said he held concerns around the "process", but would not say if he intended seeking legal advice to challenge the suspension.

"There'll be some issues around process I'll be considering and once I've come to a conclusion in my mind then I will make a statement."

Mr Connell said he would now consider his future in politics, but would not be make any decisions until he had spoken to his wife and close advisers.

- NZHERALD STAFF, NZPA