'Nothing to hide' aside, Banks must be held to account

John Banks’ appearance on TVNZ’s Q+A programme this morning has only created more doubt about the disclosure of anonymous donations in his mayoral campaign, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

“Alleged breaches to electoral law and the anonymity of political donations are serious, and yet John Banks seemed indignant to the need to answer even the most basic line of questioning on the donations he received from SkyCity and Kim Dotcom,” David Shearer said.

“John Banks Ministerial credentials are currently marred. The Prime Minister must demand answers about the large ‘anonymous’ donations to John Banks mayoral campaign before his reputation is damaged further.

“They were simple questions,” David Shearer said. “Fluffing answers about the number of donations he received is unnecessary and overcomplicates the allegations.

“I think we can all agree that Kim Dotcom is a pretty memorable guy, and $50,000 is a cash injection even the most affluent campaigner would remember.

“John Banks cannot continue as a Minister while this issue is under investigation. He is a Minister with considerable influence on upcoming debates in Parliament and the Prime Minister must hold him to account.

“This matter is extremely serious and must be resolved by the Prime Minister. At the moment many will simply assume wrong-doing without all the facts,” David Shearer said.