Armstrong on Worth
Where to now for Richard Worth? The MP may yet face criminal charges in a court of law. He will as likely not.
There may be more information to come out, but I tend to agree with John that what is known at this stage does not indicate a criminal offence.
Regardless, there can now be little question about the verdict of the court of public opinion. And that verdict is driving the politics towards one inevitable conclusion – that Worth at least be suspended, if not expelled from the National caucus in reasonably short order.
The publicising of separate and detailed accounts from two women of alleged sexual misconduct on his part have tipped the political scales to the point where National MPs have little option but to eject him.
If he does not resign, it seems inevitable – unless Worth can make a case that he has behaved appropriately.
Putting as much distance between National and Worth is now the Beehive’s priority. However, the two weeks’ grace offered to Worth also gives Key some breathing space – as does the fact that Parliament is not sitting next week. That means no question time for Labour to try and score points over Key’s handling of the whole sorry episode.
It needs to be resolved by Caucus next Tuesday.