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For now, Allan remains a member of Parliament.
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“While her alleged actions are inexcusable, I’ve been advised she was experiencing extreme emotional distress at the time of the incident,” Hipkins said. “Her recent personal struggles with mental health have been well documented, and it appears some of those issues came to a head yesterday.”
Hipkins said he felt sad for Allan.
“Kiri is an incredibly talented person who clearly has been battling some demons, and has not won that battle,” he said.
Allan said she was sorry for her actions and was heading home to consider her future in politics.
“Over recent weeks I’ve faced a number of personal difficulties. I took time off to address those, and believed I was OK to juggle those challenges with the pressure of being a minister,” she said in a statement. “My actions yesterday show I wasn’t OK, and I’ve let myself and my colleagues down.”
Last month, Transport and Immigration Minister Michael Wood resigned after failing to disclose a possible conflict of interest with stock he owned. In March, Police Minister Stuart Nash was fired after it came to light that he had given confidential information to donors. In May, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri was fired after switching allegiance to another political party.
Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon said he hoped Allan was getting the support she needs, but added the situation raised questions about the judgment of Hipkins.
Hipkins took over as prime minister in January after predecessor Jacinda Ardern stepped down. New Zealand’s elections will be held on October 14.
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