The story over time

NZPA have compiled a handy timeline of DBP’s changing story:

July 18 – Asked what he knew about the Setchell case: “No, I don’t know anything about the detail of that issue, nor do I think it’s appropriate for me to get involved or actually say anything about employment matters.”

July 20 – Asked whether he expressed his views on Ms Setchell’s appointment to ministry chief executive Hugh Logan: “In respect, nothing. Hugh knew my view was matters of employment were matters for the chief executive.”

July 23 – Asked if Ms Setchell lost her job because of a hint from his office: “No. She lost her job because the conflict of interest was identified by Mr Logan.”

July 26 – Under questioning in Parliament about what he said to Mr Logan: “I noted two things — that this was clearly an employment matter and his responsibility alone to manage, and secondly that from the point of view of my office I will likely be less free and frank in meetings with such a person. That was a statement of the obvious.”

It all speaks for itself.