Ashburton Guardian, Friday, July 24, 2020

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Friday, July 24, 2020

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Falloon under police investigation By Matt Markham

matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

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Police have launched an investigation into now-former Rangitata MP Andrew Falloon following allegations that he sent unsolicited explicit images to a number of young women. News of the police re-opening their case followed Falloon’s former boss, National Party leader, Judith Collins revealing a fifth complainant had come forward on Wednesday night with another allegation of inappropriate behaviour from the now disgraced MP. On Tuesday, police confirmed they had investigated the initial complaint earlier in the month but had found it didn’t meet the threshold to warrant prosecution, in that particular statement they encouraged anyone with

information to come forward as they were seeking further information on the matter. Yesterday, the statement was a lot more to the point. “Police can confirm we are investigating and will not be making any further comment at this time,” a police spokesperson said. Earlier in the morning, Collins – while visiting the Wairarapa – confirmed that she had received a fifth complaint in regards to Falloon and did all she could to distance herself from him – stating it was now a matter for the police. “He’s no longer a National MP,” she said. “The more women who come forward to the police, the more evidence the police will have.

“People involved in this sort of behaviour, that he’s clearly indulged in, are manipulative and I think it’s best placed with the police now.” The latest allegation has come from another “young woman” Collins confirmed. Falloon’s fall from grace publicly began on Monday when he announced he wouldn’t be seeking re-election in September – citing mental health issues. Later that evening news came to light of unwanted messages being sent to young women from Falloon while he was drunk and by Tuesday morning he had resigned from his role, effective immediately. Falloon is yet to speak publicly since the fallout.

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