PM disputes bullying claims

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has disputed allegations from MP Dr Gaurav Sharma, saying she has not seen any bullying.

On Thursday, Sharma alleged widespread bullying at Parliament, including by his own party whips, the prime minister’s office and others, although no evidence was provided to support the claims.

Speaking to media yesterday afternoon, Ardern said Labour and the Parliamentary Service had been working constructively with Sharma to coach and mentor him as a new MP, who is responsible for staff.

Starting out as a new MP ‘‘can be challenging’’ and ‘‘managing staff can be hard’’, she said.

Ardern said Parliament – like any other workplace – must be free from bullying, and that expectation applied to everyone, including MPs.

Since the Francis Review into the workplace culture at Parliament, processes for dealing with employment issues had been improved. Those approved processes were followed in this case, she said.

‘‘While we dispute the allegations he has made, Gaurav is a valued member of the team, and we want to make sure he is getting the support he needs.’’

Ardern said Sharma’s wellbeing was her primary concern.

She refused to speak about the nature of the allegations, citing privacy and ongoing employment issues, but said she was comfortable with how the situation had been handled.

Ardern said there were no widespread issues of bullying within the Labour caucus.

Earlier yesterday, Labour said it had ‘‘at all times acted in good faith and sought to work constructively’’ with Sharma.

In a statement, Labour Chief Whip Duncan Webb said his office became aware of issues between Sharma and some of his staff a year ago.

The Parliamentary Service recently paused hiring staff for Sharma’s office, with the intention of providing further assistance first, Webb said, adding that ‘‘this seemed prudent’’.

‘‘At all times the whip’s office has acted in good faith and sought to work constructively with Gaurav and the Parliamentary Service to ensure he has good support available to address issues between him and his staff.’’

The Parliamentary Service and Webb met Sharma on Thursday. Webb said the MP was fully represented at that meeting.

‘‘We are mindful these are ongoing relationships, so we must respect individuals’ privacy, but we will continue to seek a resolution with Gaurav in the coming weeks.’’

On Thursday, Parliamentary Service confirmed it had been working through ‘‘employment matters’’ with the Hamilton West MP for over a year.

Sharma has not responded to requests for comment. His office in Hamilton was closed yesterday morning. Likewise, nobody was answering the door at his apartment – however the lights were on inside and his sign-written car was parked in its designated car park outside.

Meanwhile, local and former MPs who had worked closely with Sharma also refused to comment on the allegations.

One of his predecessors in the Hamilton West electorate, former Labour MP Sue Moroney, said she was ‘‘going to sit this one out’’ and declined to comment further.

Dan Steer, a candidate for the Hamilton City Council in the local body elections who works in Labour’s Hamilton East office, also declined to comment.

Sharma’s electorate neighbours Jamie Strange, who holds Hamilton East, and Hauraki-Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta did not respond to inquiries.

And managers at Avalon Medical – Sharma’s workplace before he became an MP – were unavailable to speak to Stuff yesterday afternoon.