Questions have been raised about the relationship between PM Jacinda Ardern and her former chief of staff, close friend, and lobbyist GJ Thompson (back left). The Prime Minister's ongoing relationship with a high-powered lobbyist has raised questions about separation between those in power and those who stand to gain. Thompson and Ardern have known each other since he worked as a press secretary for Helen Clark, at the same time Ardern worked for the former prime minister. They forged a close relationship while he was chief of staff for Labour opposition leaders and Ardern was a junior MP. However, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister confirmed the pair continued to be personal acquaintances – as they had been for 14 years.

Source: Stuff May 23, 2019 20:22 UTC