Following further allegations of bullying, this time from a former flatmate in Dunedin, the National MP has been suspended from caucus pending an investigation, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in The Bulletin

Former flatmate contacts RNZ’s Morning Report with further allegations 

Late last night, further allegations came to light about National MP, Sam Uffindell. As RNZ’s Craig McCulloch reports a woman who flatted with the MP at university in 2003 told Morning Report that “Uffindell was an aggressive bully who once pounded on her bedroom door, screaming obscenities, until she fled through her window.” The woman also told RNZ that Uffindell engaged in a pattern of bullying during their second year at Otago University, and described him as “verbally aggressive”. Uffindell would trash the house after “excessive” use of alcohol and drugs, she said. RNZ has an interview with the woman, elements of which were reported by the Herald including her saying “He was smashing on my door and yelling obscenities and basically telling me to get out – ‘hit the road, fatty’”.

Christopher Luxon suspends Uffindell pending an investigation

Christpher Luxon issued a statement at 11.21pm last night saying “This evening, my office became aware of very concerning accusations made to RNZ about behaviour shown by Mr Uffindell toward a female flatmate in 2003 while at university. Mr Uffindell disputes the allegations, and in the interests of natural justice, an independent investigation will now be undertaken to determine the facts. While this process is underway, Mr Uffindell will be stood down from the caucus. The investigation will be conducted by Maria Dew QC, and I expect it to take two weeks.”

Uffindell denies allegations

Uffindell also issued a statement saying the latest bullying allegations “simply did not happen”. Uffindell said he “enjoyed a student lifestyle” at university including drinking and smoking cannabis and claims there was a falling out among the flatmates “While in second year a number of flatmates fell out – and two of the flatmates left midway through the year,” he said. In a subscriber-only newsletter this morning, Politik’s Richard Harman writes that the National Party is now in “full on crisis management mode”.

Luxon spent yesterday backing Uffindell after assurances  

The latest allegations come after Stuff’s Kirsty Johnston broke the story of Uffindell being asked to leave King’s College in 1999 for beating a younger student. The candidate selection panel knew about the incident before selecting Uffindell to run in the Tauranga by-election. Yesterday  Luxon said he was blindsided by the news. Uffindell and Luxon spent yesterday fronting the media. Speaking to RNZ’s Checkpoint last night, Luxon said he had been assured the King’s College assault was the “worst incident” and that he was confident in backing Uffindell because he is not the same person he was as a 16-year-old bully. Uffindell has said he will not be making any further comment while an investigation is underway.