National Party Leader John Key says Helen Clark is setting a new low in Ministerial standards if she still retains confidence in David Benson-Pope.

"Helen Clark should say whether she still has confidence in her Environment Minister after a report this afternoon that confirms his office was involved in the politically motivated sacking of Madeleine Setchell."

The State Services report into the dismissal of Madeleine Setchell from the Environment Ministry reveals that Mr Benson-Pope’s office did raise the matter with MfE CEO Hugh Logan.

"Mr Benson-Pope has attempted this week to distance himself from the sacking, claiming he had no details about the case.

"Today’s report makes it clear that he must have known. No Beehive staffer would act on an issue as serious as this without the Minister’s say so.

"David Benson-Pope has been dancing on the head of a pin. His honesty is again under scrutiny and Helen Clark must say whether she intends to tolerate this new low standard.

"Helen Clark has invested considerable capital in protecting Mr Benson-Pope. She now needs to say whether that support continues despite his attempts to mislead the media and the public this week."