Key's so-called standards smashed by Banks

John Key has no option but to sack John Banks after witnesses confirmed in sworn statements that he knew exactly who made donations to his Mayoralty campaign but said he wanted them to be ‘anonymous’, says Labour’s Deputy Leader Grant Robertson.

“John Key claims he has set the highest ethical standards for his Ministers. John Banks has absolutely breached those standards yet the Prime Minister continues to defend him to the hilt.

“It is not credible for John Key to keep this man on as a Minister. New Zealanders deserve better from their elected representatives.

“Sworn statements from witnesses, including Kim Dotcom, his security guard and lawyer, show that John Banks personally solicited donations. He then asked for those donations to be made anonymously which shows intent to hide them.

“A few months later, he suddenly loses his memory about all of those conversations. That is just unbelievable. Everyone in New Zealand knows what went on here. But John Key is continuing to turn a blind eye.

“He cannot continue to ignore the facts.

“In a sworn statement, Kim Dotcom says John Banks ‘said to me that it would be better to split it into two cheques for $25,000. I asked him why. He told me it was because then he would not have to declare where it came from.

“Kim Dotcom also says John Banks told him: ‘I want to help you, Kim, and I can help you more effectively if no one knows about this donation.

“It is crystal clear what went on here. And it’s time for John Key and John Banks to stop covering it up,” said Grant Robertson.