Uffindell stood down from caucus

Radio NZ reports:

National MP Sam Uffindell has been stood down from the party’s caucus while an investigation is carried out into further allegations of bullying raised by RNZ.

The development comes after earlier revelations that the new Tauranga MP, as a teenager, beat up a younger boy at boarding school.

In a statement, National’s leader Christopher Luxon said he had been made aware of very concerning accusations about Mr Uffindell’s behaviour toward a female flatmate in 2003 while at university.

He said Mr Uffindell disputes the claims – and so an independent inquiry will now be carried out by Maria Dew QC over the next two weeks.

In a separate statement, Uffindell admitted engaging in a “student lifestyle” while at university – including drinking and smoking cannabis – and said a number of his flatmates fell out during his second year.

However, he rejected any accusation he engaged in behaviour that was intimidatory or bullying.

Rather messy, to say the least. Having a QC investigate seems a very sensible course of action. Hopefully it can be resolved quickly – for the benefit of all parties.