National Party MPs are now meeting at Parliament to decide the fate of their caucus colleague Jami-Lee Ross.
Paula Bennett and Simon Bridges walk in to caucus to decide Jami-Lee Ross' fate. Photo: Rebekah Parsons-King
Leader Simon Bridges is set to ask MPs to consider possible action against the MP, including suspension from caucus.
Minutes before Mr Bridges identified Mr Ross as the likely leaker of his travel expenses yesterday, the MP went on Twitter with a range of allegations against his leader.
MPs arriving this morning were asked what they made of his actions.
National MP Nick Smith arriving at Parliament where National's caucus will meet to discuss Jami-Lee Ross controversy. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
Most made no comment saying it was a matter for the caucus but some senior MPs did express an opinion with Scott Simpson saying Mr Ross's behaviour was "reprehensible"; his colleague Michael Woodhouse said it was "disappointing".
The MP for New Plymouth Jonathan Young said it was "very surprising".
"I think today, the caucus will meet and discuss, there's strong support for Simon Bridges of course."
National list MP Maureen Pugh arriving at Parliament where her party's caucus is meeting to discuss the Jami-Lee Ross controversy. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
Nicky Wagner said the party had a "strong caucus" and they will deal with the situation.
"This is a blip in a big history of a strong party."
MPs meet at at 10.30am and will be presented with the PwC report into the leak and an accompanying QC decision before voting on what action to take.
Mr Ross is currently on medical leave from Parliament.
He has been invited to come to caucus to put his case but has made no comment since his Twitter outburst early yesterday afternoon.
Jami-Lee Ross at Simon Bridges' side during a session in Parliament last year. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
"The caucus will be asked to consider all relevant matters, including his membership of caucus," Mr Bridges said.
Mr Bridges said suspension was an option.
However, given the response of some of his MPs after the news broke, it seemed more likely that explusion was on the table.
National MP Maggie Barry made her feelings known on social media tweeting that Jami-Lee Ross was a disloyal disgrace and calling him a flawed and isolated individual.
She said having read the PWC report she personally believed what she called the 'unpleasant and bullying pattern of behaviour' of Mr Ross had no place in an otherwise united National caucus under leader Simon Bridges.
"He is now totally isolated in a very angry caucus" - Former National Party president Michelle Boag and policy analyst Bryce Edwards discuss potential outcomes of the caucus vote
National MP Judith Collins said the social media outburst was extraordinary.
"I would be very surprised if our caucus felt that this behaviour was at all acceptable."
Ms Collins, who had previously put her name forward for the leadership, said she thought Mr Bridges would be able to lead the party into the next election.
"Because from my point of view, there is no point putting the blame on to Simon Bridges when quite clearly the person who was recording information and the threats in which were implicit in the tweets from Jami-Lee Ross.
"I'm always going to side with the leader when you see that sort of behaviour.
"I would never put up with that behaviour, I don't expect Simon to put up with that behaviour, I don't expect our caucus to put up with it."
"I don't expect Simon to put up with that behaviour, I don't expect caucus to put up with it" - National MP Judith Collins speaking to RNZ political reporter Gia Garrick
Another former leadership contender, MP Mark Mitchell, said Mr Bridges' leadership was absolutely not at risk.
"Not at all - and it's not something that we'll be discussing at caucus. We'll be discussing the report and action that has to be taken, and any decisions that the caucus might have to take."
Under the waka-jumping law if the caucus votes to expel Jami-Lee Ross he must be given 21 days to respond and Mr Bridges must also be able to show that Mr Ross has acted in a way that distorts the proportionality of Parliament and is likely to keep doing it.
Once all those boxes are ticked, Mr Bridges could notify the Speaker of a vacancy.
If Mr Ross is eventually expelled, that will force a by-election in his Botany electorate.
National's caucus meeting will start at about 10.30am.