MP called a liar, minister walks out

Published: 9:29PM Wednesday March 17, 2010 Source: NZPA

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  • MP called a liar, minister walks out (Source: ONE News)
    Jonathan Coleman - Source: ONE News

Associate Health Minister Jonathan Coleman walked out of Parliament's debating chamber on Wednesday rather than apologise for calling a Labour MP a liar.

Labour's health spokeswoman Ruth Dyson was speaking during a debate on a mental health bill when she said Coleman, who is responsible for mental health, had told a meeting last year that he supported putting a code of rights for families of patients into law.

At that point, Coleman interjected.

"Jonathan Coleman just called me a liar and I ask you to ask him to withdraw and apologise," Dyson said to Associate Speaker Eric Roy.

Roy said he didn't hear the interjection and asked Coleman whether he had called Dyson a liar, which is not allowed in Parliament.

"Yes I did and I'm not going to withdraw and apologise. I'm packing my stuff and I'm off," Coleman said.

As he was on his way out, Roy ordered him to leave.

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