New Zealand PM John Key accused by opposition of using visiting royals as vote booster
Opposition Labour Party leader David Cunliffe accuses prime minister of using visit by Britain's Prince William, wife Kate and baby Prince George as 'pre-election PR'
New Zealand’s opposition on Tuesday accused Prime Minister John Key of trying to use Britain’s visiting royals to boost his popularity ahead of a general election.
Prince William, wife Kate and baby Prince George arrived in New Zealand on Monday and were greeted by Key at Wellington Airport before meeting the conservative leader again at an official welcoming ceremony.
He is scheduled to meet the royals at least five more times during the 10-day tour, prompting opposition Labour Party leader David Cunliffe to say they were being used for “pre-election PR from the prime minister”.
“I guess he likes the camera time,” said Cunliffe, who will attempt to derail Key’s bid for a third term in the election on September 20.
“I think the public will watch closely to see how the prime minister treats his presence on the tour in an election year.”
Cunliffe said he welcomed the young royals, who are extremely popular in New Zealand, but said contacts with politicians should be “as even-handed as possible” so close to an election.
Key dismissed suggestions he was trying to get too close to the royals, saying all national leaders had to meet visiting dignitaries regularly.
