Embattled Labour MP Shane Jones has been stood down by leader David Shearer over the Yong Ming Yan case.
Mr Shearer has called in the Auditor General to investigate the decision-making process around the case involving the Chinese businessman, who is also known as Bill Lui.
Mr Shearer has been under increasing pressure from the National Party to stand Mr Jones down and today he caved in.
“Given the differing statements made in and outside of court and the questions that have been raised publicly, I believe that an independent agency should review the case,” Mr Shearer says.
Mr Jones, when Associate Immigration Minister in the last Labour Government, approved Mr Yang’s citizenship application despite being advised not to.
Watch the full interview with Mr Jones about the saga
Mr Yang is now on trial at the High Court in Auckland on immigration charges.
In court, it was revealed Mr Jones went against the advice of his officials and approved Mr Yan's citizenship.
Mr Jones, a Labour front-bencher, says he approved the application because he received advice that Mr Yang would be executed and his organs harvested if he was sent back to China.
The Labour leader backed Mr Jones earlier this week but has been accused of double standards after attacking the Government over the John Banks-Kim Dotcom saga.
He says he stands by his earlier decision, despite being pressured by other parties.
“I stand by my decision not to stand Shane down earlier because I believe that everyone has the right to natural justice and to be given the opportunity to answer questions.
“New Zealanders must be able to have confidence in the processes of government and that is why Labour believes it is important for the Auditor-General to provide reassurance that the appropriate action was taken in this case,” he says.
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