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New Zealand parliament hunts for male MP who called prime minister Jacinda Ardern 'stupid little girl'

Calls made for culprit to come forward and apologise 

Wednesday 16 May 2018 10:36 BST
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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

A male MP who called the prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, a “stupid little girl” in New Zealand’s parliament, has still not been identified.

The comment was made in the chamber and was heard by speaker Trevor Mallard who stopped proceedings and called for the person who made the “sexist remark” to apologise.

One week later, no one has come forward and an apology has not been issued.

Due to the Speaker’s demand, if an MP were to own up they would be required to stand in parliament, withdraw the remark and then apologise, according to Newshub.

Mr Mallard said the comment had come from behind the leader of the opposition, Simon Bridges, who said he would review the footage to help identify who was responsible.

"Parliament's a place of cut and thrust. People say things in the heat of moment, on all sides of the House, including, let's be honest, the speaker," Mr Bridges said.

The minister for women, Julie Anne Genter, described the incident as unacceptable.

“People should get with the times, especially the National party backbenches. Grow up,” Ms Genter said.

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