National MP Tau Henare looks to have lost the support of the Maori Party in his bid to become Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Lockwood Smith is to leave the job early next year when he takes up the post of New Zealand's High Commissioner to London, and Mr Henare has made no secret of his aspirations to wear the speaker's wig.
But he has made it clear to his Twitter followers that previously promised support had been withdrawn, and mentioned the Maori Party shortly afterwards.
The Prime Minister is thought to favour the Primary Industries minister David Carter for the position. Mr Carter confirms the two are discussing the issue.
RadioLIVE
source: newshub archive
