National's Gerry Brownlee accused of 'phone bullying' after conversation with junior staff member at law firm

September 12, 2018

The National MP for Ilam strongly denies what he calls “outrageous accusations”, saying he was just doing his job.

Allegations of phone bullying are being levelled at National MP Gerry Brownlee after a conversation he had with a junior staff member about a steel mesh class action.

However, the MP for Ilam in Christchurch strongly denies what he calls "outrageous accusations".

Mr Brownlee says he was just doing his job raising questions about the class action with a law firm, prompted by a letter placed in the mailboxes of his constituents.

Adina Thorn says a junior staff member at her firm was left so upset by Mr Brownlee’s 17 minute phone call that she had to go home.

"My office received a telephone call from a gentleman who didn't provide a name but then proceeded to ask a copious number of questions was aggressive, bordering on irrational and showed no respect for the steel mesh victims in the debacle," Ms Thorn said.

Ms Thorn said at the end of the call the man identified himself as National MP Gerry Brownlee.

Mr Brownlee’s version of events is in stark contrast to the account.

"I wasn't angry, and I wasn't aggressive. I represent a constituency where there's been a lot of new houses built in the period that they're talking about and I was actually worried about people receiving a letter that could create quite a bit of alarm for them," Mr Brownlee told 1 NEWS.

His call was prompted by a letter encouraging owners of new Christchurch builds to allow the law firm to investigate if they have non-compliant steel in their homes, after three mesh companies were found guilty of selling the product.

The law firm used a public relations company to complain to National leader Simon Bridges' office about the call and are awaiting a response.

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