Colin Craig 'celebrating' after case settled out of court

  • 01/02/2017
Colin Craig
Former Conservative Party leader Colin Craig (Getty)

Colin Craig says he is celebrating "a victory" today after the on-going defamation case between him and a former party board member was settled on Tuesday.

The former Conservative Party leader alleged John Stringer defamed him over claims of sexual harassment against former press secretary Rachel McGregor.

Mr Craig, who resigned as leader in June 2015, accused Mr Stringer of slander in a "relentless succession of publications in various media".

The Christchurch High Court issued a judgment on Tueday confirming Mr Craig reached a settlement with Mr Stringer.

In addition to providing a retraction and apology, Mr Stringer will pay Mr Craig an undisclosed sum.

While the financial payment remains confidential, Mr Craig originally sought around $600,000 in damages.

Mr Craig told Newshub he's happy with the result.

"I got what I wanted; a retraction, an apology and a settlement. I couldn't have expected anything else.'

He said the court judgment "was clearly in my favour" and will be celebrating the win today with his family.

"It was the only possible outcome."

Mr Craig represented himself in the case, a decision he says was down to the expensive nature of defamation cases.

Newshub.