Key rules out independent inquiry into ACC

Prime Minister John Key has ruled out an independent inquiry into the privacy breach at ACC that's seen the resignation of Nick Smith from Cabinet.

He also won't rule out Dr Smith returning to the Cabinet in the future.

This follows a push from the opposition for a full inquiry.

Dr Smith's resigned his portfolios after admitting a second error of judgement in his handling of claims made on ACC by his friend, and former National Party official Bronwyn Pullar

Labour leader David Shearer says Dr Smith's resignation doesn't end the matter.

"We should have a full inquiry into this. I think the Government would hope that it was going to go away. I don't believe that it should. I think the public, and we all, deserve an explanation."

Mr Shearer wants to know why the Prime Minister didn't act earlier.

Should Dr Smith decide to quit politics altogether, Mr Shearer believes his party could win Nelson.

"Yes we definitely could have a good chance of winning that seat, we've held that seat in the past although that was some time ago. We would certainly have a decent crack at it," he says.

MPs have said Mr Key should have asked for Dr Smith's scalp much sooner than yesterday.

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Key rules out independent inquiry into ACC