Ben Bell on the attempted smear campaign around his sexuality

Mayor of Gore Ben Bell talks to Michael Laws about the attempted smear campaign around his sexuality
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[@hm250]

Loved the bit at the end about CEO's. The Gore one should fall on his sword asap.

[@10AntsTapDancing]

Wouldn't it be true that only criminal activity and prosecution for crime be the only criteria of interest to voters? I thought that NZ had moved on from this kind of gutter journalism but the last couple of years have shown us how corrupt our media is. Ben sounds very mature for his age and I wish him luck and I hope the Gore councillors are as mature and work for the rate payers and not indulge in petty behaviour.

[@brutallyremastered4255]

The issue of foreign influence and lobbying for same is also crucial in NZ. It will become ever more important and difficult an issue and the legality of influence is often difficult and very expensive to ascertain.

[@vanessaward6082]

Even is Ben is gay, so what? I thought we were over this archaic nonsense? If he can do the job as Mayor of Gore, that's the main thing.

[@NA-sj9jy]

If it's not true, then sue them for deformation....we already have laws to handle this. Use the tools you have been given.

[@Anonymous-c4p]

Yup Michael Laws is airing it👍🏻 And at the end of the day one knows their truth and it really doesn't matter what others say or think.

[@NA-sj9jy]

@@Anonymous-c4p - exactly....unless it's turns defamatory, and starts to affect your life. eg lose a contract, get denied a service, attract unwanted attention you didn't ask etc etc. If it doesn't then yeah....just get on with life.

[@Anonymous-c4p]

Been there done that. Mo fo's can judge me all they like...as Ben says water off a ducks back👍🏻

[@barrywalsh7926]

Don't leave your UK pension on the table! Have you worked in the UK? If so, please know that the UK's National Insurance rules on Voluntary Contributions are changing in April. If you worked in the UK, you and your employers have paid onto National Insurance. With your National Insurance Number, you can check your contributions. It is advisable for UK workers, past or present, to check their National Insurance Contributions Record, which can be done online. It is also a good time to consider filing any gaps with Voluntary Contribution, before the April deadline.

[@MsHburnett]

Is he homosexual? We can pretend its private but the census asks 5 questions about sexuality gender preference , so its not really private is it.