- New Zealand Justice Minister Resigns After Failing Breath Test Following Car Accident
- Fourth Minister Departs Prime Minister’s Cabinet Ahead of October Elections
- Prime Minister Acknowledges “Messy” Period in Government as Resignation Continues
The justice minister of New Zealand has resigned with immediate effect after failing a breath test for alcohol following an automobile accident.
The 39-year-old Kiri Allan was accused of reckless driving and resisting arrest.
She is the fourth minister to depart Prime Minister Chris Hipkins’ cabinet since March, ahead of the upcoming October elections.
Sunday night’s collision in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, resulted in no reported casualties.
The former minister was detained at a police station for four hours after her arrest before being released. She is scheduled for a future judicial appearance.
Ms. Allan, whom Mr. Hipkins stated was experiencing “extreme emotional distress,” will remain a member of parliament for the time being.
“She understood that retaining her ministerial warrant was untenable, particularly for a justice minister facing criminal charges,” the prime minister stated at a press conference.
Ms. Allan, who was also the minister for regional development, conservation, and emergency management, recently took a leave of absence due to “personal difficulties” and only returned to work on Monday.
Last month, she confirmed her separation from her companion and was also accused of having poor working relationships with her employees.
On Monday, Ms. Allan said she returned to the legislature believing she could balance personal and professional issues.
“Yesterday’s actions demonstrate that I was not okay,” she said, adding that she will evaluate her political future.
Ms. Allan was once considered the party’s sweetheart. Before Mr. Hipkins became prime minister, she was rumoured to succeed Jacinda Arden, who quit earlier this year.
Her resignation is the most recent development in what Mr. Hipkins conceded has been a “messy” period within his party.
In June, transport and immigration minister Michael Wood resigned after failing to report a stock ownership conflict of interest. A month prior, customs minister Meka Whaitiri changed parties and joined another.
After giving contributors private information, police minister Stuart Nash was fired four months earlier in March.
April polls indicated a close race between the center-left Labour Party and its main opposition, the National Party.
