Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, the former MP for Clutha-Southland, says he has no concerns about staff departures and the resignation of the chairman in his former electorate.
National MP, Bill English. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Queenstown-based staff member Barbara Swan has resigned, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family.
A long-serving staff member from the Gore electorate office, Glenys Dickson, resigned soon after.
She told RNZ News she could not comment on the reason for her departure.
The new MP for Clutha-Southland, Todd Barclay, confirmed the electorate chairman Stuart Davie has also now resigned, saying he was in an elected position and not an employee.
"And quite often when there's a change of MP, especially in a seat where there's been long-term representation, eventually there are a number of changes in personnel.
"Each electorate is going through branch AGMs at the moment and I've been aware for some time that Stuart was considering his position."
Mr English, who served as the local MP for 24 years, said sometimes people have issues working together.
But he was not aware of any specific problems between Mr Barclay and his former staff, he said.
"No, I mean we, it's important that an MP has an effective team, there's clearly a changeover going on there and he's building another team.
"Look I think people are keen to see the ongoing success of the National Party there and the member of Parliament, representing their constituents and you know it's strong organisation there so whatever concerns they have I'm sure they'll deal with them."
