Politics

Shock resignation: Labour minister Whaitiri defects to Te Pāti Māori

17:07 pm on 3 May 2023

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In an election year bombshell, Labour minister Meka Whaitiri has jumped ship, her shock defection blindsiding her own caucus - including the Prime Minister.

She remains in Parliament as an independent MP - but intends to contest her Ikaroa-Rāwhiti seat this election for Te Pāti Māori.

Opposition MPs are now questioning why she has not been booted from her electorate and Parliament under the waka-jumping provision.

RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has the story, and RNZ political editor Jane Patterson joins Lisa Owen with the latest analysis.