New revelations about Labour's attendance at a Mongrel Mob 'fundraiser' raise several questions Chris Hipkins must answer tonight, National’s Campaign Chair Simeon Brown says.
“The difference between Labour and National could not possibly be any clearer, after an explosive new video shows a Labour candidate attending a Mongrel Mob fundraiser and courting votes from gang members.
“Chris Hipkins has spent days trying to distance himself from criminal gangs, all the while his candidates are attending their fundraisers. Labour candidates are campaigning with the Mongrel Mob and then lying about it.
“Were the Mongrel Mob helping to raise money for Labour, or was the Labour candidate helping to raise money for the Mongrel Mob? And did either Labour or the Mongrel Mob donate to one another at this event?
“Did Kerrin Leoni tell Chris Hipkins that the gang event she attended was a fundraiser?
“Does he think it’s appropriate for her to wear her Labour Party jacket and wave placards at an event organised by the Mongrel Mob?
“If not, what is he going to do about it?
"Did Kerrin Leoni delete social media posts about the event and if so, why? Did Labour tell her to?"
“Chris Hipkins has either lied to New Zealanders or has been totally negligent.
“This video confirms exactly what Chris Hipkins and Labour have been trying to hide. Labour is courting the votes of violent and criminal gang members.
“Gangs like the Mongrel Mob are desperate for a Labour coalition because they know they are soft on crime and will get rid of the laws National introduced to make it harder for gangs to peddle their misery.
“Labour’s record on gang policy is already clear. It voted against National’s gang patch ban, limits on sentence discounts for criminals, and the return of Three Strikes.
“National is restoring law and order in New Zealand and cracking down on gangs. Kiwis who want to keep making progress should stick with the plan that’s working and party vote for National.”
