Gaurav Sharma Expelled From Labour Caucus

Gaurav Sharma becomes an independent MP for Hamilton West after 61 of the ruling Labour Party's 64-member caucus voted to expel him.

• PM Jacinda Ardern confirmed in a statement that "The Labour Caucus has voted to expel Dr Gaurav Sharma from caucus, effectively immediately. The Caucus also voted to refer the matter to the New Zealand Council of the Labour Party for them to consider any further disciplinary action."
• The expulsion comes as no surprise after Sharma's caucus membership was suspended last week over repeated breaches of trust. This refers to Sharma's decision to air his concerns over alleged bullying in the media rather than use formal channels within the party to lodge his complaints and resolve disputes with other members.
• Over the past couple of weeks, Sharma stepped up his criticism of Labour leadership and the way his allegations were handled. His publicised stand-off with the ruling party may deal another reputational blow to Labour, whose support ratings are in retreat.
• It is also uncertain how Sharma will vote while freed from party discipline and he said he will consider whether to stay on as an independent lawmaker. Labour could theoretically invoke the Waka Jumping legislation to oust him from parliament, but this would force the ruling party to fight a by-election in a constituency regarded as New Zealand's bellwether seat.