I was always perplexed by John Minto formally objecting to the fundraising which funded Lianne Dalziel’s last election campaign.
Every campaign since Adam stood to chair his synagogue committee has been funded this way. If there’s something wrong with it, then the law needs to change.
In a really trying year for Lianne, it must have come as a massive relief to find out that she isn’t after all a cheat, as she was accused. The SFO confirmed that what she and Rob did was OK, and I am delighted that the report clears her name. It’s a nice Christmas present.
When John stated that he considered that the decision not to prosecute Dalziel was a disappointing outcome, he added:
“The law says even if you inadvertently send in an incorrect expense return then that is a breach of the law.
“It sends a message that candidates might as well not even bother sending in an expense return if this is the regard which the SFO has of this.
“The Serious Fraud Office is sort of ignoring the fact it breaches the law and saying that intent is the issue here.”
Lianne spent many thousands of legal costs; the SFO would have had serious legal advice as well. Despite this John seems convinced that his interpretation of the law was still better than everybody else’s.
Here’s the article: Serious Fraud Office clears Christchurch City Mayor Lianne Dalziel of wrongdoing over election expenses | Newshub
Here’s a picture of Lianne after she received the news:
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