King backdowns on EFB interpretation

The Herald reports that Annette King has backed away from her own advice to the Electoral Commission on how the immunity for adveritsing by MPs in their capacity as MPs should apply.

I had suggested the acid test should be whether Labour’s 2005 pledge card would now be exempt.  And the good thing initiall is that the Minister gave an explanation that:

“MPs acting in their capacity as members of Parliament” excluded statements they made outside the House on policy that was intended to be enacted by a future Parliament.”

That sounded somewhat promising, as that would probably mean an election pledge card would not be exempt.

But last night in Parliament she backed down from her interpretation, and said her view was a personal one, not an official one.

So we’re now back to the situation where the Electoral Commission will have to just tell everyone to consult their lawyers.  Welcome to Florida.