Labour Expels Its Former MP Sharma, By-Election Preparations Kick Off

New Zealand's ruling Labour Party expelled Gaurav Sharma from its ranks with immediate effect, two days after he resigned as Member of Parliament forcing a by-election in Hamilton West.

• Earlier this week, Sharma stepped down as an MP, accusing Labour of planning to use the "waka-jumping" legislation and oust him from parliament, even as Prime Minister Ardern denied those allegations.
• Sharma became an independent MP in August, as the Labour Party caucus voted unanimously to expel him and refer his case to the party's governing body for further consideration. The move reduced Labour's majority in the 120-seat parliament to 64.
• Hamilton West is regarded as a bellwether seat. In all but one general elections since its creation, the party which won the seat also won the plurality of seats. Sharma's resignation means that the seat will be contested twice in a year, with the next general election slated for January 2024.
• Sharma suggested that he intends to contest the by-election and return to parliament. Both Labour and the main opposition National Party played down their chances of winning the by-election, noting that they expect a tough race. The Prime Minister is yet to decide on the date of the poll.