Car sponsorship ‘cheapens’ role
JUDITH COLLINS’ car yard sponsorship deal ‘‘cheapens the role of an MP’’, says Labour leader Andrew Little.
Collins, a former Cabinet minister, has come under fire over a new title – brand ambassador for Peugeot, DS and Citroen at Southern Autos Manukau.
The six-month partnership, which is free of charge, allows Collins to drive around, with her petrol costs covered, in exchange for raising the profile of the dealership.
If Peugeot buyers mentioned her name at the time of sale, part of the money would go towards the Papakura Community Crimewatch Patrol, of which she is patron.
Little said it was ‘‘completely out of order’’.
‘‘It cheapens the role of being an MP, it cheapens Judith Collins, and no MP should be selling themselves as some sort of sponsorship product.’’
While it was within the rules, it was a bad look. ‘‘It is about standards and judgment and I could not conceive, before I came into Parliament, the idea that an MP could be a sponsored product for somebody.
‘‘Even though there might be a charitable purpose to it, I just think it is a total detraction from the public responsibility that an MP has.’’
Prime Minister John Key has defended Collins’ decision.
‘‘It’s solely a matter of her making sure she complies with the rules. She hasn’t raised the matter with me, I haven’t discussed the matter with her. There are very clear rules and those rules are appropriately set,’’ he said.
‘‘She’s not a minister, so as a backbencher she just has to meet those rules.’’
It was not necessarily an issue she needed to run past the prime minister, but it was ‘‘possible’’ she could regain her ministerial title before the election.
‘‘And if she did she’d have to adjust her behaviour to be in line with the Cabinet manual.’’
Under parliamentary rules, MPs needed to log any financial interests they have and gifts they receive over $500.
While MPs could not receive payment for parliamentary activities or anything related to their official duties, there was ‘‘nothing preventing a member from endorsing a product’’.
Collins has defended the sponsorship, saying it saved taxpayers money on her petrol and helped an important group in the community. ‘‘I’m not doing it for myself, I’m doing it to help Papakura Crimewatch Patrol. So actually it’s a win-win.’’
On her Facebook page yesterday, Collins said she had been advised the first four-figure donation was either on its way or had already been made by Southern Autos Manukau to the patrol.
‘‘This is fabulous news.’’