Summarised by Centrist
Kerrin Leoni's resignation may be less about her contact with Mongrel Mob members than what Labour knew about that contact while condemning other parties for similar associations, according to Newsroom political editor Jonathan Milne.
Milne argues that Labour's central problem is the apparent failure to disclose Leoni's earlier activities while Chris Hipkins publicly criticised Green and Te Pāti Māori politicians over their gang connections.
Leoni attended an October 3 gathering involving Mongrel Mob members, where footage later showed her wearing Labour campaign clothing and encouraging people to vote.
According to Milne, she remained silent about the encounter for nine days while controversy intensified over a separate gang-pad visit involving Green and Te Pāti Māori politicians.
Milne reports that Leoni had apparently withdrawn from that separate visit following advice from Labour's leadership. Others involved in her campaign were reportedly aware of the circumstances but did not speak publicly.
Hipkins initially defended Leoni before footage of her campaigning emerged, prompting her resignation on October 23.
Milne argues the greater issue is the apparent hypocrisy and failure to disclose what happened, rather than contact with gang members itself.
He suggests the political consequences may extend beyond Leoni, potentially raising further questions about the conduct of Labour officials and campaign staff.
Re-published from the Centrist with permission
