David Clark denied being removed from ministerial office prior to September 19 elections
Wellington, New Zealand:
The New Zealand Minister of Health resigned Thursday after a public backlash over his breach of the lockdown and criticism of the official responsible for the country’s global response to coronaviruses.
Outgoing Minister David Clark was already in a cloud after the isolation was lifted in April and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who faces elections in September, admitted that his presence had become a distraction.
“It is essential that our health leadership has the confidence of the New Zealand public,” she said.
“As David told me, the needs of the team must come before him as an individual.”
Clark described himself as an “idiot” in April after admitting to breaking strict lock orders by traveling 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the beach with his family.
He kept his job but was kept out of the public, with health department chief Ashley Bloomfield appearing alongside Ardern to give daily updates on the coronavirus crisis.
As the success of New Zealand’s response became evident – it only recorded 22 deaths out of a population of five million – the Bloomfield Glasses became very popular, with fans imprinting its face on tea towels and posting tributes on social networks.
This meant there was public anger when Clark criticized Bloomfield for a series of border quarantine errors and the images went viral of the minister urging his subordinate while the official stood discouraged.
Critics said it was “like kicking a puppy” and accused Clark of throwing Bloomfield “under a bus”.
Announcing his resignation, Clark stressed that he had a warm relationship with Bloomfield and distinguished him for his praise.
“He is an exceptional official,” Clark told reporters.
“Thank you Ashley and your team for the extraordinary work you did for our country during our most serious health crisis in a century.”
Clark denied being expelled from his ministerial post before the September 19 election, saying he only stayed after breaking the lockout because he didn’t want to leave in the middle of a health emergency.
“Now that we are on a stable basis, it seems appropriate to let someone else take the reins,” he said.
Ardern said Minister of Education Chris Hipkins would look after the health portfolio until the election.
If the government is re-elected, Ardern has not ruled out another ministerial role for Clark, who plans to stay in parliament.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
