National Party Leader John Key says he has no involvement in a leaky building issue which a newspaper report out today seeks to link him with.

The Truth has published a story claiming Mr Key is linked to a company involved in a leaky building court case.

“I can confirm that I am a shareholder in Earl of Auckland Ltd, along with the two businessmen mentioned in the story.

“The Earl of Auckland owns one commercial property in Auckland, which is not the subject of any leaky building claim.

“I have little knowledge of the leaky building issue cited in The Truth except for what I read in a NZ Herald story earlier this month [article link below].

“I have taken the issue of fairness and balance up with the editor of The Truth today [letter attached] as their reporter made no effort to contact me or my office before publication.

“This appears to be yet another attempt by my political opponents to smear me. It’s interesting that Health Minister Pete Hodgson mentioned the Earl of Auckland company on Morning Report today.

“The Labour Government should be concentrating on the real issues New Zealanders are concerned about – like the economy, high interest rates, and the appalling state of the health system – rather than spending all their efforts in personally attacking me.”

Click for copy of Word format letter to Truth