Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the leak of Simon Bridges' expenses needs to be dealt with sensitively as mental health issues are involved.
She was speaking at Onehunga High School in Auckland, shortly after Mr Bridges disclosed what he knew about an anonymous texter claiming to be a fellow National MP and the leaker - suffering from metal health issues.
"If indeed this is an issue that has come out of the caucus, and if there are indeed mental health issues it would need to be dealt with really sensitively," Ms Ardern said.
The National leader today told of receiving the anonymous message last Thursday from a person claiming they had leaked his expenses information.
Ms Ardern says although it's up to the National Party to decide how they deal with the issue, "ultimately, politicians they are humans too, so we always have to make sure we have mechanism in place to look after members of our team."
She says the inquiry into Mr Bridges leaked expenses should be cancelled if the leaker does in fact have serious mental health issues.
"It is perhaps best dealt with internally than externally.
"Ultimately, the leader of the National Party just will have more information than we do."
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