ACT leader Rodney Hide says he believes Heather Roy was poorly advised as Associate Defence Minister, resulting in her getting - in his words - 'off track'.
Mr Hide has given more details about the events leading up to Mrs Roy being dumped as the deputy leader on Tuesday and losing her three ministerial warrants.
A leaked briefing paper includes claims Mr Hide approached Defence Minister Wayne Mapp in order to discredit Mrs Roy.
Mr Hide says, in fact, it was Dr Mapp who came to him with concerns about Defence papers she produced.
He has also confirmed the ACT caucus had some concerns about advice she was receiving from her senior ministerial advisor, Simon Ewing-Jarvie, and the influence he had within her portfolio.
Mrs Roy and Mr Ewing-Jarvie have been unavailable for comment.
Sir Roger Douglas told Morning Report the events of the past few days had affected the party's brand.
However, Sir Roger said Mrs Roy was determined to come back and resume her place in the party.
