Former National Party leader Simon Bridges has given evidence in the High Court trial over allegedly fraudulent political party donations.
Earlier this week the court heard a secret recording made by former MP Jami-Lee Ross, in which the men discussed a $100,000 donation.
And on Wednesday, the court heard another two secret recordings made by Ross in September of 2018.
In the first recording, Ross explains he was deeply hurt and unhappy with the leadership change and his position as number eight and opened up about the financial toll of being overlooked as chief whip.
"I have been unable to pay my mortgage. It's put a lot of stress on my marriage, a lot of stress on my family, my wife. It's been very embarrassing and difficult. There have been times where I haven't even been sure whether I can use my Eftpos card," Ross detailed in the secret recording played in court.
Ross told Bridges a move to the backbench would end his career and denied allegations of sexual misconduct that were made against him at the time.
Before saying this to the then-party leader.
"You’ve asked me to go and collect donations, $100,000 donation. That donation has not been declared properly. I have recordings of you and I talking about those donations," the High Court heard as the secret recording played.
"You have put me in a position where if I have to lose my career then I have no option but to go down fighting."
In a second conversation, Bridges threatened to demote Ross further.
“You have acknowledged today you tape-recorded the leader of the Opposition without any consent," Bridges is heard saying in the secret recording.
"If you don't take that, I will demote you. And I will take you off the front bench, I will strip your portfolios."
Ross maintains he was protecting himself by recording Bridges.
When questioned further on his involvement in the donation today Bridges said he had no knowledge of any wrongdoing, and neither did he order Ross to collect or split up the money.
