Labour MP Ruth Dyson 'error' led to wrongful spending accusation
Port Hills MP Ruth Dyson has had to explain she did not use Parliamentary Service funding to produce letters supporting a local by-election candidate. (File photo)
A senior Labour MP has been forced to explain an "error" resulting in a complaint she misused public funds.
Independent Citizens, a local body political organisation in Christchurch, wrote to Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard on Monday with a complaint about Port Hills MP Ruth Dyson.
It alleged Dyson used public funds to send a letter to hundreds of households in Lyttelton endorsing a Labour-backed candidate, Tyrone Fields, in an upcoming by-election to a local community board.
The publication used Dyson's letterhead and included the House of Representatives crest, typically used to indicate a publication has been paid for using Parliamentary Service funding.
READ MORE:
* Candidates sought for Banks Peninsula Ward after chairwoman steps down
* The Veteran: Ruth Dyson stands again for the Left
Spending rules, set out in the Speaker's Directions, prohibit the use of Service money and resources for electioneering publications. This includes the use of email, phone services, postage, email, and staff time.
Dyson said Field's campaign team "correctly" accessed her letterhead for the publication, but an "error" was made in not removing the crest before it was sent out.
A copy of Port Hills MP Ruth Dyson's letter endorsing a local by-election candidate. The House of Representatives crest is at the bottom of the letter.
"It was an absolute error, and I take responsibility for that," she said.
The veteran politician, an MP since 1993, said she spoke with Mallard and the head of Parliamentary Services on Monday to explain the situation.
Independent Citizens also expressed concern about the use of Dyson's Ferry Rd electorate office for "phone banking" – where voters are called to get them to support a candidate.
Dyson said no Parliamentary Service funding or resources were used for the letter, or for any gatherings in her office.
She said the questions were legitimate ones.
"I'm happy to account for the taxpayer money I'm provided with."
Independent Citizens complained to Mallard after the group's own candidate in the Banks Peninsula Community Board by-election, Robyn Struthers, received copies of the letter from concerned Lyttelton residents.
The by-election, prompted by the resignation of Christine Wilson, takes place on May 16.
- Stuff
Comments