Dumped New Zealand First MP Brendan Horan is refusing to leave Parliament - even though the man who got him there wants him gone.
Winston Peters has expelled Mr Horan from the New Zealand first caucus after he received new information relating to claims Mr Horan took money from his late mother's bank account.
Mr Horan's never been shy of the limelight and now, he's refusing to leave Parliament quietly, his lawyer Paul Mabey says.
“He takes the view that he may have been expelled from the party - but why should he leave Parliament - what has he done wrong? He's been judged in his absence by Mr. Peters and that's disturbing for Mr. Horan.”
Mr Mabey says Mr Horan is upset about how he first heard of the expulsion on the news.
“He's been in touch with Mr Peters throughout, and he was not told of this announcement today, so his response is that he's quite shocked.”
The MP's been involved in a dispute with his two brothers over their dead mother's estate.
3 News obtained a will amendment - signed by Mr Horan's mother - that wanted money "taken from me by misadventure" recovered.
Mr Horan's always denied any wrongdoing, but Mr Peters says he's got new information on the MP and Mr Horan has to go.
“The information we have received leaves me in a position where I have no confidence in Mr Horan's ability to continue as a Member of Parliament - and he will be expelled from the New Zealand first caucus forthwith,” Mr Peters says.
Mr Peters won't say what that information is - but he's adamant Mr Horan no longer belongs in Parliament.
“Mr Horan has a duty, I believe, to resign as a member of Parliament.”
But Mr Peters may not get his wish. Mr Horan can stay on as an independent MP - and appears determined to do so.
3 News
source: newshub archive
