Labour laughs as Brownlee tries to be bigger than Brash

Speaker Margaret Wilson asks for calm after an exchange about Taito Phillip Field. Picture / Mark Mitchell

Labour MPs never miss a chance to highlight questions over the future of National leader Don Brash. Yesterday, his deputy Gerry Brownlee gave them further ammunition when he appeared to overrule his own boss.

The incident took place during a noisy debate sparked by the Greens' attempt to introduce a motion censuring Labour MP Taito Phillip Field for his dealings with constituents.

The move was blocked by National claiming Labour and the Greens were colluding to close down the furore over Mr Field's activities.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen created uproar among National MPs when he claimed Dr Brash had agreed with Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons for the motion to be introduced.

This led Dr Brash and Mr Brownlee to simultaneously leap to their feet to object.

However, Mr Brownlee half-pushed, half-waved Dr Brash back to his chair.

This created much hilarity among Labour's ranks, many of whom applauded the action as proof that not only was Mr Brownlee the power behind the throne, but he was willing to cut his leader off at the legs.

It was only one of many incidents which caused uproar in Parliament.

A testy exchange between New Zealand First MP Ron Mark and his former colleague Tau Henare, who is now with National, resulted in Mr Mark being accused of making obscene gestures across the House.

Mr Mark did not admit making rude gestures, but apologised if his hand waving had been misinterpreted and caused offence.

He was shown on television making a gesture with his middle finger.

This little skirmish ended with Mr Henare and his benchmate Brian Connell being ejected from the House for continuous interjecting.

In the uproar, Speaker Margaret Wilson seemed to mistake Mr Connell for Scottish comedian Billy Connelly, appearing to demand "Mr Connelly" leave the chamber.

- NZPA