Suspended MP Connell unrepentant

Brian Connell

Maverick National MP Brian Connell is unrepentant about his actions, even after his colleagues suspended him from caucus today.

Mr Connell was blindsided by the vote to remove him, the result of what party leader Don Brash described as a pattern of destructive behaviour.

Mr Connell had two weeks ago at caucus challenged Dr Brash about his leadership qualities due to an alleged affair with businesswoman Diane Foreman.

The confrontation was leaked to the media.

It was not the first time Mr Connell had challenged Dr Brash .

Dr Brash said the Rakaia MP, who replaced former prime minister Jenny Shipley in the seat in 2003, had been a destructive force even before got into Parliament.

Dr Brash said comments Mr Connell made to the media after his caucus challenge had resulted in his suspension, not because it led to the story of his affair hitting the headlines.

Dr Brash said he had no personal vendetta against Mr Connell.

"There is no indication of who leaked that information from the caucus. He did however talk to a number of media following the caucus meeting, on the record, in a way which many of the caucus felt was the final straw," Dr Brash said.

Before the meeting Dr Brash said Mr Connell's future had not been on the agenda, but clearly buoyed by positive poll results he and his supporters decided to act decisively against their outspoken colleague.

The National Party board met last week to discuss Mr Connell's behaviour but did not make any comment at that time.

Dr Brash said today the board resolved the MP had "again failed to show the restraint and discipline expected of a caucus member and had no confidence in him".

Suspension from caucus is a serious step. Mr Connell 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.

Dr Brash said he believed National could still rely on Mr Connell's vote.

Mr Connell said the suspension came as a complete surprise, as Dr Brash had not expressed any concern to him about his behaviour.

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

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.

He said he was not considering quitting Parliament and forcing a by-election or leaving the National Party to become an independent, although he would not rule anything out.

"I'm hopeful there is a way back," he said, though unrepentant about his actions.

"There were issues where I spoke my mind on a number of things. I don't regret having spoken out on things I felt strongly about. That's me, warts and all."

He said he was confident he had the support of some of his colleagues, but would not identify them.

"I'm disappointed it's come to this. My ambition is to get National into government and I'll be reflecting on what's transpired."

Dr Brash said the suspension would remain in force until further notice.

"Mr Connell's future with the National Party is in his own hands," he said.

Dr Brash said the last time a member had been suspended he came back into caucus after some months.

He was referring to Maurice Williamson, who was suspended for attacks on Mr English.

Mr Williamson did not return to caucus until after party leader Bill English had been deposed by Dr Brash.

Asked if Mr Connell was even more of a danger outside caucus than in, Dr Brash said: "That's as may be, but the caucus felt it was appropriate to suspend him".

It was likely the party would now move to prevent Mr Connell being nominated as a candidate for the next election.

- NZPA