Kerrin Leoni has resigned as a Labour candidate in New Zealand's election after footage showed her with Mongrel Mob members at an event while wearing a Labour Party jacket, the NZ Herald reports.
Leoni had said she was visiting family and at first denied the contact. Labour leader Chris Hipkins said campaigning alongside gangs was unacceptable and that the footage fell short of the standards he expected. Because nominations have closed, her name will stay on the ballot, but she no longer represents the party.
The Post reported that the event had been advertised online as a fundraiser for a Mongrel Mob chapter. National's Paul Goldsmith called it an appalling look and said Labour was inconsistent on gangs, while ACT leader David Seymour said the episode showed what was at stake in the election.
Source: NZ Herald
