Kiwi Twitter Gate: Labour Leader Cunliffe’s Wife Admits Using Twiter Account To Abuse MPs Opposed To Her Husband

The Twitter controversy that shook the Labour Party in New Zealand took a mysterious turn on Wednesday with the top leader David Cunliffe's wife volunteering to apologise for setting up the anonymous Twitter account that attacked her husband's rivals and critics. In a statement, Karen Price admitted the motive of setting up the account as "ill-judged" and expressed regrets at the comments made. In an indirect justification, the wife of Mr Cunliffe stated that her family has been under intense media pressure since the election and it was a show of concern to the husband and family.

Cunliffe Not Aware

But Ms Price also asserted that "My husband David had absolutely no knowledge" of the Twitter account until a media person raised the matter with him on Tuesday. Price said there will be no further comments as she will be taking a short break.

Labour Party's acting leader David Parker also confirmed that Mr Cunliffe had personally confided to him on phone that his wife was behind the @TarnBabe67 account. "I'm sure Karen has expressed her regrets", Parker added and did would not confirm whether the scandal would dim Cunliffe's chances of re-election, reported 3news.co.nz

Personal Attacks

The tweets took aim at the faction of Anyone But Cunliffe (ABC) comprising MPs Grant Robertson, Trevor Mallard and Clayton Cosgrove. @TarnBabe67 took on Trevor Mallard by suggesting that any Labour MPs not throwing their weight behind Mr Cunliffe ought to be expelled from the party. Clayton Cosgrove described the Twitter attack as "sad" and "gutter stuff". In one tweet, Ms Price had said Cosgrove was "past his use by date". Mr Cosgrove gave it back and asked if that was the truth then why did Mr Cunliffe promote him during the election. He called the tweets as "gutter stuff" and asked all to rise above it, reported Tvnz.co.Nz..

The twitter account also attacked a newspaper for publishing a candid photo of the Labour leader showing him dejected. Mr Cosgrove alleged it was "a shame that David is making proxy attack on others." Mr Cunliffe stepped down as Labour leader on Tuesday, but is trying to be back in business by contesting for the Parliamentary party leader post yet again.