Rebel National MP faces suspension

Brian Connell

Rebel National MP Brian Connell will be expected to placate fellow MPs at the party's caucus today and faces suspension if he doesn't.

But even if he survives today's meeting, sources say there remains a real chance National's board will move to suspend him from the party when it convenes next week.

Mr Connell was stripped of his portfolios and ranking last week after he complained he had been given a raw deal - he was given the lowest, 27th, ranking - and subsequently refused to travel to Auckland to discuss his concerns when summoned by National leader Don Brash.

The MP has previously been warned about his public criticisms of Dr Brash's decisions and continued to make defiant comments over the weekend, refusing to rule out leaving the party to become an independent.

Mr Connell had softened his stance yesterday, saying: "I think tomorrow will be constructive, I think cool heads will prevail and we'll just put it behind us and get on with the business of being in Opposition."

He said he "absolutely" wanted to remain in the party.

Asked if he had regrets, he said:"I regret that this thing got blown out of all proportion ... "

But he refused to answer when asked to clarify whether this meant he regretted his own actions.

And he would not say if colleagues would be offered an apology, saying "it would be inappropriate for me to speculate on it before going to caucus and having a say there".

The Herald understands he has already told some MPs he isn't prepared to proffer a formal apology.

A senior source said yesterday that Mr Connell had a 50-50 chance of being suspended from caucus today and the result would depend on his willingness to show contrition.

While some MPs want to bury the stoush, there remains considerable anger in some quarters.

Regardless of today's outcome the board is considered likely to take further action when it meets next Wednesday to consider the matter.

One source said the board had already given Mr Connell a "severe warning" for his previous outbursts, so it had little option but to issue a final warning or suspend him.