Thu 24 Mar 2011 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Darren Hughes 2.40PM: MP and Labour high-flyer Darren Hughes has just been been stood down from his opposition portfolios with Labour leader Phil Goff saying the police investigation is now likely to take longer that was initially expected. Goff says the level of public controversy surrounding Hughes and the allegations against him, made by a young man who is believed to have had some profile around Parliament, means Hughes is unable to carry out his portfolio work. Goff says he believes Hughes is a man of "integrity." 1.20PM: As the career of Darren Hughes hangs in the balance, concerns are arising about the Labour Senior Whip's level of judgement while under the influence. Highly credible Wellington sources have quietly told GayNZ.com Daily News of their unease about issues around poor judgement and alcohol with Hughes in the past. While they are in no way stating he has done anything illegal, his decision-making while under the influence is being called into question considering his standing as a senior MP. The New Zealand Herald has printed details of the night leading up to an alleged incident involving an 18-year old man, which has resulted in the police investigating the MP. It says Hughes took the complainant home to the Hataitai house he shares with Deputy Labour Leader Annette King following a night of drinking with Victoria University students after a debate. There are reports that the young man left the home early that morning and ran into a police car, when he made allegations against Hughes. The MP remains on leave and has made no further comment beyond his statement yesterday that he is aware a complaint has been made and while he is cooperating fully, maintains he has done nothing wrong.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 24th March 2011 - 1:21pm