It is is a big development here at Parliament this morning, as the electoral donation complaint lodged by independent MP Jami-Lee Ross goes to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), says 1 NEWS political editor Jessica Mutch McKay.
"This is yet another chapter in the Jami-Lee Ross saga."
A statement by the SFO said it had "received a referral from the police about a complaint they received in October last year in relation to the disclosure of political donations under the Electoral Act".
"It doesn't specifically talk about National or Jami-Lee Ross, but talks about a complaint that was made in October, Jami-Lee Ross went to police on the 17th of October, so the timing all fits," Mutch McKay said.
The police have referred the renegade MP’s complaint to the Serious Fraud Office, following Mr Ross’ explosive revelations.
"The SFO get involved if something looks as though something is going to be complex or serious financial crimes, including bribery and corruption and if there's a high public interest in the case"
She said that National leader Simon Bridges maintains that he did not tell Mr Ross to break up the donation.
"He says this is about his former colleague getting revenge on his way out."
Mutch McKay said 1 NEWS has been in contact with the National Party over the complaint, and they are yet to reply.
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