20 Sep 2010

PM says ACT turmoil could affect support for MMP

7:40 pm on 20 September 2010

The Prime Minister says the turmoil within the ACT Party is likely to increase the chances of the public turning against MMP in a referendum on the electoral system next year.

John Key on Monday reiterated his support for ACT leader Rodney Hide as a minister, despite the resignation of list MP David Garrett from the party over passport fraud.

Mr Key says all the polls have put support for retaining the Mixed Member Proportional system of voting at about 50%, but he believes that may have changed.

The trend in recent years is for a reduction in support for minor parties, he says.