Charges over alleged attempt to run over MP

An Oamaru woman is facing a charge of assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly trying to run over National MP Jacqui Dean with her car.

The woman is expected to appear in the Oamaru District Court on December 15.

Dean, the MP for Waitaki, was not harmed but is understood to have been frightened by the Monday morning incident.

The alleged assault is thought to have happened after an incident involving the woman’s dog and Dean’s dog.

Dean declined to comment as the matter is now before the courts. The alleged assault is not believed to be politically motivated.

The incident came days after Judith Collins demoted National MP Simon Bridges over a comment he made in front of Dean at an event five years ago, which led to Collins’ being voted out as leader of the National Party.

On Monday afternoon Dean posted a statement on Facebook saying she ‘‘took no pleasure in being caught up in what was a political power-play.’’