Prime Minister John Key says a Cabinet minister whose brother is reportedly facing indecency charges was willing to step down if needed, but Mr Key was confident the issue could be managed without that happening.
A report on stuff.co.nz said a Cabinet minister's brother would appear in court on Tuesday on child indecency charges. An injunction meant neither the minister nor the man accused could be named and the accused intended to seek name suppression.
Mr Key said the minister in question had advised Mr Key's office about the situation as soon as the minister knew about it. Mr Key had sought advice on it.
"The advice I've received is that there is no conflict of interest and the issue can be managed. People appreciate that Cabinet ministers, like anyone else, have family but I'm quite confident the position can be managed."
He said the minister was happy to step down if that was what was required. "But that isn't the advice I've got."
