Immigration Minister's 'got to go' because of Czech drug smuggler case, says Simon Bridges

The National Party leader said officials are being thrown "under the bus" over Karel Sroubek.

National Party leader Simon Bridges has called for the Immigration Minister to resign over the Karel Sroubek's residency case. 

Today, Iain Lees-Galloway announced the findings of the review into Sroubek's residency case, which determined the Czech drug smuggler may be liable for deportation.

"Iain Lees-Galloway's got to go. It was always the wrong decision," Mr Bridges said today.

"Being a Minister is a privilege, it requires good judgment. In a very cursory decision made by Iain Lees-Galloway, he showed he hasn't got it."

Mr Lees-Galloway said the case file provided to him "may not have provided a complete picture", however, he acknowledged responsibility for the original decision to let Sroubek stay was his.

The Karel Sroubek saga has been a headache for Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway.

Mr Lees-Galloway said he apologised to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern over the incident. 

Mr Bridges said the original decision showed a loss of credibility and "undermined our immigration system and made New Zealanders less safe". 

"We've got a Minister and a Prime Minister who are embarrassed, so are trying to throw officials under the bus and find reasons post the decision to justify a change." 

SHARE ME

More Stories