By Anneke Smith of RNZ
Stuart Nash says there will be no by-election in his Napier electorate after being sacked as a minister over an “inexcusable” breach of Cabinet rules.
Nash was already on a “final warning” before it was revealed last night he had emailed details of Cabinet discussions to two businessman - who were also his donors - in 2020.
The correspondence set out his opposition to a decision on a commercial relief package, in which the donors had an interest, and detailed Cabinet discussions - a clear breach of Cabinet confidentiality.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said it was such a serious breach of the rules it would have warranted dismissal on its own, notwithstanding the other “strikes”.