Jami Lee Ross addressing media. Reading a statement first - “I used to be close with Simon Bridges, I was his numbers man.” 
“Simon Bridges is without a moral compass...I know Simon filed a false return, because I spotted it in January” - JLR #rtpt
JLR says Simon Bridges received a donation of $100k from a wealthy Chinese businessman and asked him to file it in a way that it would not be disclosed.
JLR says he will go to Police tomorrow to report the alleged electoral fraud and will provide them with the conversation recording the pair had which proves this as well as photos of Simon Bridges with the Chinese businessman.
JLR asked yesterday for an opportunity to speak to the National caucus prior to the release of the report - he says this was denied and he was not allowed to join the caucus teleconference.
JLR says Simon Bridges accused him of harassment saying four women complained to both Paula Bennett and the National Party COF - “To the best of my knowledge I have not harassed anyone.”
JLR says he was provided no information - “Simon and Paul were the judge and jury” - says the complaints weren’t made to Parliamentary Services, the employer of the staff members alleging harassment.
JLR intends therefore to step down from the National Party caucus and Parliament. He will contest the Botany byelection as an independent.
JLR says he is now taking the decision of who represents the Botany electorate out of Simon Bridges’ hands and back into the hands of the community.
“I could see my world crashing down around me, I got assistance...my doctor has cleared me” - Jami Lee Ross says his recent medical leave was in regard to the harassment claims.
JLR says he did not leak the expenses information to a journalist, but he accepts he leaked the text from the ‘leaker’ (sent to Mallard, Bridges, reporter) to a journalist.
JLR says he did this out of concern for the leaker’s wellbeing and wanted Simon Bridges to cease continuing with the investigation.
Jami Lee Ross alleges Paula Bennett also wanted the investigation dropped - he also says Todd McClay was aware of the donation by the Chinese businessman.
JLR says the National Party Board also knew of the $100k donation - but says they did not know that it was “split up”.
“They were going to push me out anyway. I’m making the decision to stand up and speak for myself” - Jami Lee Ross.
“Just remember he won on the second ballot ... by majority, a lot of people did not want him as leader” - JLR on Simon Bridges.
“I drove here, I drove from Auckland...I needed time out to think about what I wanted to do...I got up this morning, typed out this thing” - JLR on his position today.
“It’s quite liberating to be able to speak freely. I’ve felt uncomfortable for a long time...I tried to speak truth to power internally but was not listened to” - JLR.
“If he wants to do that, he’s more than welcome to, I’m not scared” - JLR asked on whether Simon Bridges’ may take a defamation case against him.
