ACT leader Don Brash admits the teapot tape fiasco looks like the Prime Minister has something to hide - but he's not concerned that it's a plan to oust him from the ACT leadership.
Prime Minister John Key is refusing to answer questions on his secretly recorded cafe conversation with ACT's John Banks last week, after complaining to police about the tape.
It's speculated the pair discussed Dr Brash leaving the ACT leadership after the election, or the potential for the Government to offer him an overseas posting to get rid of him.
Dr Brash says he's "heard the speculation", but he has no fears for his spot, and no plans to resign.
"I'm the leader currently, and plan to continue to be the leader," he told Radio New Zealand.
Dr Brash says Mr Key is right not to allow the secret tape to be made public, although he concedes it is a bad look.
"He's in a very difficult spot, having referred it to the police, he doesn't want now to reverse that decision.
"But, like everyone else knows, it's diverting the campaign from the really important issues."
Dr Brash says he's confident he'll be heading to Parliament after the election, despite ACT polling around 1 percent support and its chances in Epsom looking bleak.
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A Fairfax Media-Research Media International mini-poll, released on Thursday, shows National's Paul Goldsmith on 45.5 per cent support in the electorate, compared to 29.1 per cent support for Mr Banks.
Despite that result, Dr Brash is confident voters will come around - pointing out a large number remain undecided.
"I think most people in Epsom know that the National Party will almost certainly not get there by itself ... ACT is the obvious ally for National."
Dr Brash says he has no plans to step down if ACT fails to make it into Parliament, but admits he will have to consider that at some point.
NZN