For over three years after it became common knowledge that John Banks had intentionally filed a false electoral return, the National led government has relied on the disgraced MP's support to pass numerous controversial policies.Unfortunately National was allowed to continue using a fraudster’s support because the police decided not to pursue the case against John Banks. In light of recent events, it appears that undue influence has caused the police to make that incorrect decision; especially considering that other disgraced National MPs have been caught trying to manipulate active police investigations.
Instead of doing the right thing and immediately dismissing the errant Minister, John Key decided not to even bother reading the evidence put under his nose showing that Banks is a crook! He did this because the right wing agenda of asset stripping was hanging on by a thread, a thread that relied on the Prime Minister accepting Banks’ weak assurances.
Banks’ assurances were proven entirely false today, with TVNZ reporting:
John Banks convicted, could face jail time
Former Act Party leader John Banks has been convicted of filing a false electoral return.
There was no application for a discharge without conviction when he appeared in the High Court in Auckland this morning.
He is due to be sentenced today.
A conviction that clearly shows John Key's judgment was completely wrong when he claimed:
He's (John Banks) been an honest straightforward guy who's dedicated his life to try and make a difference to others.
The only difference Banks has made is to further undermine the integrity of parliament and help an illegitimate government pass socially destructive legislation into law. The former Act party leader clearly has no integrity and neither does the Prime Minister for continuing to allow a fraudster to remain a member of parliament for so long.
Mr Banks was found guilty last month of filing a false electoral return relating to two $25,000 donations from internet millionaire, Kim Dotcom, for his failed 2010 Auckland mayoral campaign.
So much for Key holding his Minister's to a higher standard. Although Banks resigned from his Ministerial portfolios back in October, he was allowed to remain an MP because without his support the government could have faced a vote of no confidence.
Mr Banks faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a $10,000 fine.
I hope they're warming up Archie Banks' old prison cell, but I presume his son and convicted fraudster will be given a slap over the wrist with a wet bus ticket.
Update: Members of the old boys club don't do time.
