National Party Leader John Key says Helen Clark needs to answer some straightforward questions on David Benson-Pope's handling of the politically motivated sacking of Madeleine Setchell.

"Helen Clark should make it clear whether she is satisfied with the way David Benson-Pope has tried to mislead New Zealanders."

Last week Mr Benson-Pope claimed to be in the dark about the details of the case, yet a report released late on Friday says he had been briefed.

"How many other ‘minor' details is Mr Benson-Pope leaving out of his story? Does the Prime Minister accept his public statements?"

Mr Key says weekend reports that Helen Clark did know about the case should also be explained.

"When did she find out? Did she talk to Mr Benson-Pope?

"This has become a question of whether the Prime Minister supports a neutral public service, or whether she would rather back a Minister who appears to have been less than forthcoming.

"Lianne Dalziel was sacked when her office was caught in a similar scandal, yet David Benson-Pope still enjoys the Prime Minister's confidence even though his office has been involved in a campaign of misinformation before.  

"This episode says a lot about how far Ministerial standards have slipped."