Mr Wellington’s future seen as next crisis

Press, 2 November 1985, Page 8

Mr Wellington’s future seen as next crisis

Wellington reporter As the dust settled in Parliament yesterday it was clear that the demotion of Sir Robert Muldoon had not calmed the turmoil within the National Party.

The next item on the agenda of the warring factions is. the fate of the former Minister of Education, Mr Wellington. He greeted Sir Robert’s demotion with the announcement that he would stand for his electorate of Papakura at the next General Election as an Independent National candidate. ... This places, his continuing

membership of the National Party, and of National’s Parliamentary caucus, at risk. The next meeting of the National Party executive is not until November 27, but by then events may have already taken care of the matter.

Mr Wellington’s suspension, or even his expulsion, may come sooner than that, at National’s next Parliamentary caucus meeting on Friday, November 7. The Chief Opposition Whip, Mr Don McKinnon, has already said that Mr Wellington’s position could be in jeopardy, and that his membership of, .the caucus was now in question., i/i.. - Mr McKinnon said the

position with Mr Wellington was “on hold” but that his position in caucus must now be in question.

There was no time pressure to resolve the issue, and there was a general feeling of sadness that Mr Wellington had taken this step, he said. Mr McKinnon said he would try to have Mr Wellington meet Mr McLay to try to resolve the point. . No time had been set for. a meeting when Mr McKinnon returned to Auckland yesterday. As all three men live in or near,i Auckland, a meeting might be held during the week-end. Otherwise it will, be in. t Parliament early next weak as members reassemble.