Connell remains in National caucus

Outspoken Rakaia MP Brian Connell will remain with National.

After the National Party caucus met this morning, party leader Don Brash told reporters Mr Connell had apologised. Both he and caucus accepted the apology.

"Mr Connell's comments today allow us to move forward as a united caucus, focusing on the flaws of this already tired and discredited government."

Mr Connell pledged his loyalty to the party and leader.

He has been in hot water over public comments complaining about his portfolios and low ranking in last month's reshuffle. He said Dr Brash was punishing his outspokenness and would continue to speak his own mind, not act on party lines.

Dr Brash stripped him of his forestry, commerce, consumer affairs and statistics portfolios.

He was ranked 27th in the 48-member caucus -- effectively at the bottom because those below him are new MPs with no rankings.

- NZPA