‘It’s not an easy job’ – Jacinda Ardern defends the Speaker after National's walk-out

December 6, 2018

Yesterday, National MPs left the House after accusing Speaker Trevor Mallard of protecting the PM.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has backed Speaker Trevor Mallard, after a raucous day in the House yesterday which saw much of the National Party walk out in support of their leader Simon Bridges.

Mr Brides was booted by Mr Mallard after he suggested the Speaker was coming to the defence of the PM, during questioning over Karel Sroubek, the Czech drug smuggler at the centre of an immigration saga.

Mr Bridges claimed Mr Mallard was "protecting" the Prime Minister.

Read more:  Simon Bridges and Gerry Brownlee kicked out of Parliament by Speaker after Ardern quip, National MPs walk out in solidarity

When asked about the matter by media in Invercargill today, Ms Ardern backed the Speaker, saying he had a difficult job and was not biased towards her.

"Every Speaker brings their own style, and it's not uncommon for the Opposition to push up pretty hard against Parliament's referee," she said.

"I think the Speaker for Parliament does a very good job. It's not an easy job to be a referee among a bunch of politicians."

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