Lee had been an MP since and became Deputy Leader of the Alliance that same year. In 1994 she became leader of Mana Motuhake upon the retirement of party founder Matiu Rata. Questions were also raised over revelations of her personal life which led senior party members to approach her and voice concern that her affair with Te Puni Kokiri adviser Anaru Vercoe was distracting her from the leadership of the party.
