August 21, 2019 12:00pm by David Farrar

Sounds desperate

Barry Soper reports:

The scalp of Paula Bennett is being demanded if National is to avoid a lawsuit by NZ First Leader Winston Peters, Newstalk ZB understands.

Lawyers for both sides met in Auckland last week where the National side expressed their interest in settling the case before it goes to the Auckland High Court on November the 5th.
National’s lawyers, Bruce Gray QC and former Young Nat Peter Keily expressed their wish for the case to be settled out of court.
Peters’ side, led by his longtime friend Brian Henry apparently asked what were they prepared to offer return.
During the discussion, mention was made of a “National Party body”.

Newstalk ZB understands that was a clear reference to former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett.

If Winston had a case with any substance behind it beyond speculation and conspiracy theories, he wouldn’t be willing to settle.