NZ First leader Winston Peters has expelled embattled MP Brendan Horan from the party and called on him to resign from Parliament.
Mr Peters made the announcement in Parliament this afternoon, after Mr Horan failed to clear up allegations he stole money from his late mother’s bank account.
He said substantial material had come into his possession which left him in a position where he had no confidence in Mr Horan.
Mr Horan, despite being elected into Parliament as a NZ First list MP, could now stay on as an independent. He is still receiving his salary of $140,000.
Mr Peters refused to pledge confidence in him last week and stood Mr Horan down from Parliament, telling him to stay home and sort it out.
The allegations were made by Mr Horan’s half brother Mana Ormsby, who says around $85,000 is missing from their mother's account, withdrawn from ATMs and TAB outlets near Mr Horan's office in Mt Maunganui, and in Hamilton and Auckland.
Mr Horan initially told 3 News he was furious about the allegations and would be taking legal action. However, when 3 News visited him at his Mount Maunganui home last week, he refused to comment.
Only this afternoon – before he was sacked – did Mr Horan release a statement through his lawyer, Paul Mabey QC.
“Mr Horan completely denies any suggestion that he has stolen from his mother or misappropriated her money or assets,” Mr Mabey said.
Watch the video for the full report.
3 News