Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Twyford apologises for sending electioneering e-mail

Updated at 6:47 pm on 1 October 2010

Labour Party MP Phil Twyford says sending out electioneering e-mails from the Parliamentary e-mail system was a genuine mistake, for which he is sorry.

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide has complained to Parliamentary Services about e-mails sent to about 1000 people on Thursday encouraging people to vote for Len Brown for Auckland mayor.

Mr Twyford says the e-mails probably did not cost taxpayers a penny, but the rules clearly state that Parliament's systems should not be used for electioneering

He says he should have used his personal e-mail address.

Mr Twyford says Parliamentary Services has told him he has a case to answer and the matter will be referred to the Speaker.

Mr Hide says individual MPs should not use their taxpayer-provided resources to influence local government elections in any way.

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