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Harawira Withdraws Vote From Government On Crucial Votes?
It appears that rebel Maori Party MP Hone Harawira’s problem has withdrawn his confidence in the Government and withdrawn his vote.
MPs recently completed the debate in reply to the Prime Minister’s Statement with Parliament supporting the statement by 67 votes to 52, with National (57), ACT (5), United Future (1) and the Maori Party (4) in favour.
It was opposed by Labour (42), Greens (9) and Progressive (1).
No vote was recorded for Chris Carter.
The Maori Party has five MPs and the party is required to back the Government on matters of confidence and supply in Parliament.
The Maori Party did not explain the reason for voting short and is not required to do so in Parliament.
However, Harawira is currently part of a disciplinary process after calls for his Party to oppose the National led Government on a number of policies
Labour MP Trevor Mallard said in Parliament that the Maori Party had the required quorum to cast five votes and asked for claification on whether Harawira was no longer voting in favour of the Government on confidence votes.
His questions were ruled out of order as no party has to give reasons on why it cast votes unless a personal vote is called for.
The Appropriation (2009/10 Financial Review) Bill (a matter of supply) also received its second reading without debate by 67 votes to 52 shortly afterwards
The vote indicates that Harawira may have told his party leaders that they can no longer rely on his support in matters of confidence and supply. Earlier today the Maori Party President said there was now a media ban on all comments concerning Harawira until the disciplinary process was completed.
The vote makes no change to the Government’s ability to pass legislation with the support of the ACT Party or/and the remaining Maori Party MPs.
ends
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