The reporting of the allegations derailed Mr Swiggs' campaign, although Cr McLellan has maintained that in spite of the accusations his campaign was always on track to win the seat. They also accused Mr McLellan's campaign team of orchestrating the allegations against Mr Swiggs. In front of a packed public gallery on Tuesday, which included Mr Swiggs, the court heard the allegations put forward by a group of Mr Swiggs' most avid supporters. Among them was the petition organiser Hayley Guglietta who was also a member of Mr Swiggs' campaign team. It is the second accusation they have dropped after they withdrew their claim that Christchurch City Council's handling of the allegations hampered Mr Swiggs' campaign last month.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 03, 2019 02:15 UTC