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Ron Mark has ousted Tracey Martin as deputy leader of New Zealand First.
The party is characterising the coup as the normal post-election vote on caucus positions that had been delayed because of the Northland by-election.
The former solder and businessman was an MP from 1996 until 2008, but didn’t stand in the 2011 election because he had been elected mayor of Carterton the year before.
He has also served on a number of Maori land trusts and as negotiator for Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa.
The caucus also elected Clayton Mitchell to a new position of associate whip, and reconfirmed Winston Peters as party leader.
Ms Martin congratulated Mr Mark, and said she looked forward to having a positive and productive working relationship with him as part of a strong and democratic caucus.
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