Party-hopping bill squeaks through

The anti party-hopping bill was referred to a parliamentary select committee last night by the narrowest of margins.

A condition agreed in the deal signed between Labour and NZ First to form a new government, the revived law that lapsed at the end of the last term was sent to the select committee after a 61-60 vote.

Labour, the Progressives, NZ First and United Future supported the bill.

National, the Greens and the Maori Party voted against.