Simon Bridges rejects 'baseless' allegations as National MPs vote to expel Jami-Lee Ross from caucus

October 16, 2018

The National Party leader today made a statement defending his position and welcoming a police inquiry into claims of electoral donation fraud.

National Party MPs have voted to expel Jami-Lee Ross from caucus. 

Leader Simon Bridges said the National MPs voted unanimously. 

Jami-Lee Ross, Paula Bennett and Simon Bridges.

"It's the strongest possible action the caucus could take. We are not going to tolerate the kind of appalling behaviour of Jami-Lee Ross."

"The lies, the leaks and other matters as well are entirely unacceptable."

Read more:  MP Jami-Lee Ross to make official police complaint against National leader Simon Bridges, will resign from Parliament

Mr Bridges said the allegations were "baseless", "entirely false", and he invited the police to investigate.

Mr Ross had made allegations of electoral fraud against Mr Bridges, over donations made by a Chinese businessman. 

1 NEWS’s Benedict Collins unpicks a morning of high drama surrounding the National MP.

Mr Ross made a number of claims about the National Party leader in relation to donations. Mr Bridges has denied any wrongdoing.

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Latest developments:

National MP for Botany, Jami-Lee Ross, will be laying an official police complaint against National Party leader Simon Bridges tomorrow, in which he'll allege electoral fraud.

Mr Ross also told media this morning he would resign as a member of Parliament on Friday, sparking a by-election for the Botany seat.

Mr Ross said he would run as an independent.

Earlier:

The investigation into who leaked details of National Party leader Simon Bridges' expenses pointed to MP Jami-Lee Ross leaking the information. 

The PWC report said it had not identified the leaker with certainty, however, "the evidence we have points to Mr Ross". 

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