Canterbury Mornings

A former Speaker of the House has described the downfall of a Christchurch councillor as a stitch up.Deon Swiggs lost his central city seat after facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour leading up to the election.The council has dropped an investigation into his conduct because he's no longer a councillor, meaning Swiggs hasn't been able to clear his name.Former Speaker of the House Sir Kerry Burke told Chris Lynch the matter appears to be, in employment terms, constructive dismissal.Labour MP Duncan Webb has also said Swiggs was given a raw deal.