Another day, another crisis for Simon Bridges.
In a direct challenge to the current National Party leader, Jami-Lee Ross has assigned his proxy vote to NZ First. There are conditions attached to the way it can be used, but in essence, Ross is daring Bridges to use the waka jumping legislation to which National is so very publicly opposed.
Ross first offered his proxy to the Tories and they, in a fit of pique, foolishly turned it down. The Nats said, sniffingly, that Ross was distorting the proportionality of Parliament by staying on as an independent. Now, Ross seems to have stitched up a deal with Winston Peters that will see NZ First cast his vote. But only for National, not the Government.
I don’t know how this will work in practice. Perhaps Winston will make paper aeroplanes with Jami-Lee Ross’ signature on them and launch them across the chamber? Maybe Shane Jones will learn ventriloquism and speak out of both sides of his mouth at once?
If the mechanics are a mystery, one thing is crystal clear; Jami-Lee Ross is going to haunt Simon Bridges until the Tory leader quits or, more likely, is rolled.
Never forget; this all started when Bridges accused Labour Party MP’s of leaking his expenses without an ounce of proof. Then went ahead with a inquiry that was always going to end with blue blood on the floor.
This extraordinary mutual mutilation between two former friends is hideous to the eyes, but it’s so very, very hard to look away.
Oh, and spare a thought for David Seymour. Fresh from some babbling lunacy about shopping bags, the Epsom hologram has to deal with the knowledge that Jami-Lee Ross trusts Winston Peters more than him.
Ouch.
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