Peter Dunne cleared of misleading committee

United Future Party leader Peter Dunne. Photo / Mark Mitchell

United Future leader Peter Dunne says he has been cleared by the Speaker of misleading a select committee about leaking a confidential report.

In a statement, Mr Dunne claimed that the Speaker had ruled that he did not deliberately mislead the Finance and Expenditure Committee when he denied being responsible for leaking the Kitteridge Report on the GCSB.

Labour made a breach of privilege complaint following the Henry Report into the leaking of the GCSB document.

Mr Dunne resigned after he was unable to produce emails requested by inquiry head David Henry.

He said: "I welcome the Speaker's decision to dismiss the complaint and his ruling that my answers did not deliberately mislead the Finance and Expenditure Committee, nor were in contempt of Parliament.''

Mr Dunne added: "Although the Henry Report made no allegation against me, nor challenged any of my evidence, its excessive focus on circumstantial matters led to unfounded inferences and innuendos that have not only damaged my reputation, but also made it impossible for me to continue as a Minister.''

He said the ruling meant that he could now put the whole situation behind him.