KEY POINTS:
State Services Minister Annette King will get a report today on claims that the partner of National leader John Key's press secretary lost her job because of who she lived with.
Madeleine Setchell got a senior job in the communications department at the Ministry for the Environment but it has been alleged that within three days moves were made to terminate her appointment because of her relationship.
A spokesman for Ms King said the State Services Commission would give her information on the case today and this would be publicly released.
Mr Key said the situation was distressing and regrettable.
"I don't think it's appropriate. I think we've had an apolitical public service that's operated in this country and served this country extremely well and in my view the treatment that she got was shocking," Mr Key said.
Asked if the report to Ms King might assist, he replied: "We'll wait and see but I am not holding my breath."
NZPA understands that Ms Setchell had discussed her relationship with Mr Key's press secretary, Kevin Taylor, throughout the employment process.
But when it came to the attention of Environment Minister David Benson-Pope's office, some form of intervention took place and as a result she was approached about her continuing employment in the ministry.
State Services Commissioner Mark Prebble is understood to have intervened and Ms Setchell was offered another job.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said yesterday he understood this was a "matter that was handled by the State Services Commission, that the person involved was offered alternative employment, but she chose not to accept it".
Both Mr Taylor and Ms Setchell have refused to comment to NZPA about the situation.
Mr Benson-Pope denied any involvement.
- NZPA
