Act takes hard look at itself

John Banks
John Banks
The ACT Party has commissioned an internal review into its "shocking" election outcome and ongoing troubles.

Act's John Banks squeaked into Parliament last year despite controversy over a cup of tea he had with Prime Minister John Key, and later a police investigation into "anonymous" donations he accepted from Kim Dotcom and SkyCity casino.

An email supplied to the Herald on Sunday reveals election campaigner Brian Nicolle has contacted past and current members asking for their feedback.

"I am doing a review of the ACT party after the shocking election result and the trouble that afflicted the Party over the last few years," he wrote.

Don Brash rolled Rodney Hide as leader in a coup last year, but was then overshadowed by his own Epsom candidate, former Auckland mayor John Banks. After Brash failed to win a seat in Parliament, Banks took over leadership, as the party's sole MP.

Party president Chris Simmons said the review was part of a programme to continually listen to party members and the public.

Mr Banks did not return calls yesterday.

- By Chloe Johnson of the Herald on Sunday

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