Stuff reports:
New Zealand First MP Clayton Mitchell is demanding an apology from security guards who booted him out of a Tauranga bar on Saturday night, describing them as politically-motivated “buffoons”.
So he thinks he was evicted because of his politics rather than being a dickhead?
Speaking to reporters at Parliament, Mitchell pushed back against allegations he and his friend had behaved badly, strongly denying claims he had accidentally hit a female staff member on the head with a glass and spilled his drink on her.
“That’s absolutely not true. That’s fake news. That didn’t happen,” he said.
In working out who to believe, it is worth noting Mitchell has convictions for assault and was found “unfit” to hold a bar licence.
The Tauranga-based MP also rejected claims that he or his friend had replied, “we are the law,” when it was suggested police could be called.
“I certainly didn’t say it. [My friend] didn’t say it. That’s just another fabrication,” Mitchell said.
“It’s politically motivated. We know the Young Nats are in behind, trying to stir something up here.”
In a brief statement, the National Party’s youth wing president Sam Stead said the issue had nothing to do with them.
“The Young Nats wouldn’t waste their time on an MP they’ve never heard of.”
God knows what Mitchell means by suggesting Young Nats were involved.
Standing alongside Mitchell, Peters encouraged reporters to watch video footage of the night before jumping to conclusions.
“We are so happy for you to see it that we ask you to turn up on Saturday night, have a good hard look at it, and then tell the public what you think,” Peters told media.
“It will show that your concerns and your alarmism is not justified in any way shape or form.”
Peters said he had not watched the video himself, but had been informed of its content by a person he trusted.
So Winston hasn’t watched the video but insists it clears Mitchell.
