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Independent MP Brendan Horan says a rule change in New Zealand First is a naked power grab by leader Winston Peters.
Mr Horan was sacked from the caucus because Mr Peters didn’t believe his explanations about money allegedly missing from his late mother’s estate, but he stayed on as an MP.
The rule change would require MPs who are sacked or resign from the party to pay a $300,000 fine if they don't give up their seat within three days.
Legal experts say the rule, which still has to be ratified, is probably unenforceable.
Mr Horan says Mr Peters went to court on a similar issue when he quit National in 1993, and he won.
He says it’s the death knell for the party.
"What does it say about a party that thumbs its nose at democracy like this and how can anyone take one if its MPs or candidates seriously when they know they’re not going to represent the people, they’re actually going to represent the party view and every vote they do in parliament will be according to the party and according to what the leader wants," Mr Horan says.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH BRENDAN HORAN CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MTc4OTM=
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