Prime Minister John Key says he will ensure any complaint about National MP Aaron Gilmore's behaviour at a Hanmer Springs restaurant is thoroughly investigated.
A lawyer who had dinner with Mr Gilmore on Saturday says the MP threatened to get the Prime Minister's Office to sack a waiter who refused to bring him more wine.
Aaron Gilmore. Photo: NATIONAL PARTY
Mr Gilmore was dining with a group of friends, including lawyer Andrew Riches, at the Heritage Hotel during the party's regional conference.
Mr Riches said the Christchurch list MP became angry when the group he was with was refused more wine, as it was judged they'd had enough.
He said he heard Mr Gilmore tell the waiter "Do you know who I am?" before threatening that he would get the Prime Minister's Office to sack him.
The lawyer said he was so embarrassed he sent a letter of apology to the staff.
Mr Key said on Thursday any suggestion that an MP has sought to use the influence of the Prime Minister's Office inappropriately is a serious matter.
Mr Gilmore has told the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff that he doesn't believe he used those words. However, Mr Key said if a hotel staff member would like to lay a complaint, his office will make sure it is thoroughly investigated.
On Thursday morning, Mr Gilmore took to Twitter and then issued a statement saying his group was boisterous and he apologised for any offence caused to staff or other diners.
Mr Gilmore said MPs should be seen to uphold the highest standards at all times, and the group he was with fell short of this.
The MP has also apologised to the Prime Minister.
