Michael Heron QC will conduct the inquiry into the leaking of Parliamentary Service information containing National Party leader Simon Bridges' travel and accommodation expenses, Speaker Trevor Mallard announced today.
Mr Mallard said in a statement that Mr Heron was “experienced in conducting high profile inquiries relating to integrity and conduct”.
“It’s important to ascertain how this breach of trust occurred and to identify whether there is a systemic issue or an individual is responsible, and if so who that person is.”
“For completeness, I note that Mr Heron worked as a Crown Prosecutor at the same time as the Hon Simon Bridges (in different firms), and was appointed Solicitor General by (and worked with) Hon Chris Finlayson from 2012 to 2016. I have met Mr Heron on several occasions when he chaired Drug Free Sport NZ and I was Opposition Spokesperson for sport. “
The statement concluded by saying that no further comment will be made by Mr Mallard “until the terms of reference for the inquiry are released in the first week of September”.
Earlier this month, Mr Bridges stood by his MPs, saying he doesn't believe one of them leaked his travel expenses to media.
The National leader clocked up roughly $84,000 travelling around the country in a Crown limousine between April and June, as part of a national roadshow.
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